Damage

For their new album, Jon Spencer decided to remove his surname from the group’s name, wanting to put everyone on equal footing. So, we’re no longer talking about Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (JSBX) but simply Blues Explosion…

Blues Explosion is undeniably one of the best bands of our time. Their music is a mix of blues, rock, punk, hip hop, and more. The blend is explosive, effective, and clear. Their latest album Damage is here to confirm this. After Plastic Fang, which marked a bit of a dip in their usual form, the band returns better than ever. Damage is a jewel of production, with the tracks flowing together beautifully and the rhythm perfectly set. It must be said that the band worked with the best producers for this album, including DJ Shadow and Dan The Automator.

Damage differs a little from their previous works. There’s a more somber atmosphere, a good dose of madness, a sound pushing the limits of saturation, explosive tracks that are their signature, alternating with softer ones, and a hint of protest… All while keeping the animalistic side that defines all their albums… That certain something that makes you want to go wild all night long to the sound of Blues Explosion, swept away by their sonic explosions, when the music stops and then comes back even stronger, with Jon Spencer’s mouth sounds (“Aouh,” “Huun,” “Oh!”…), making you feel like you’re hearing him orgasm on his guitar…

But let’s get back to the album… Damage announces itself right away with its first dark chord. A bluesy intro, well-paced, that gradually builds in intensity throughout the track… Then it stops abruptly. Burn It Off follows and recalls the energy of their previous albums, but with an even trashier feel… Jon Spencer still delights with his modern Elvis-like voice, supported by some backup vocals that are a bit rough around the edges… The tracks flow well, and the album never loses steam. From “Help These Blues,” which praises the blues while defending rock ‘n’ roll from being labeled the devil’s music, to the apocalyptic “Fed Up and Low Down,” produced with DJ Shadow, or the jazzy “Rattling”… But most notably…

… The standout track is Hot Gossip (feat. Chuck D of Public Enemy): an explosive mix of rock and hip-hop… I’ve never heard anything like it. Sure, we know Gorillaz, The Chemical Brothers, or even The Roots, but that’s more electronic sounds (or funky in the case of The Roots), samples, etc… Here, it’s pure Rock ‘n’ Roll… Classic guitars, no samples, a hip-hop beat marked by Russel Simmins’ drums, the flow and strong voice of Chuck D answering Jon Spencer’s bluesy vocals… Who said rock is dead? Or hip-hop? Maybe they’re meant to mix… in any case, the result is explosive…

In short, this is a brilliant album by one of the best bands today. For those who don’t know Blues Explosion yet, give them a listen—you won’t regret it.