Blitzen Trapper

Officially, Blitzen Trapper are an alt-country/folk outfit but they sit in so many other genres as to be completely unique – no bad thing – and this album is ample proof of that.

This one of those albums that offers you something different every time you put it on, little subtleties that lie underneath otherwise straight forward songs alongside sterling playing from the whole band. The current lineup features Eric Earley (guitar/harmonica/vocals/keyboard), Erik Menteer (guitar/keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums/vocals/harmonica), Michael Van Pelt (bass), and Marty Marquis (guitar/keyboards/vocals/melodica).

Every track, from the title track to ‘Across The River’ that closes it out, sits in the alt-country/rock vein but the melodies and the tunes stretch into singer/songwriter territory and Americana is never far from the sound but Eric Earley’s voice has wonderful soul and emotion (in a Dylan-esque way). Never more than on the gorgeous ‘Lonesome Angle’ with its keening melodica hidden deep in the song.

‘All Across This Land’ has a rocky feel to it with a feel of Black Oak Arkansas and driving rhythm really giving the song impetus. ‘Mystery & Wonder’ builds beautifully into a melodica solo that is delightful and leads into the lovely and emotive ‘Love Grow Cold’.
‘Nights Were Made For Love’ could have been an early-Springsteen number with its images of youngsters hanging out and tailgating - “the days were made for looking hot but the nights were made for love”.

Every time I listen to the album I pick up another favorite and find another of those glorious vignettes buried within the songs.

Blitzen Trapper are a fine band, eclectic but enveloping, always leaving you thinking “what comes next?” and then delivering something brilliant. I loved ‘American Goldwing’ but I think this is more consistently good, verging on brilliant.