Slightly Schizophrenic
Alabama 3 may seem like a simplistic name, but it actually represents the band's political inclinations, hooray for a band with some soul! This soul is instantly conveyed in 'How Can I Protect You' which borders on the semi-religious rock but remains wired to some juddering electronica until an almost gospel chorus explodes from out of nowhere. "How can I protect you in this crazy world?" the lyrics question, almost as far from the edgy verse as you can get, but perhaps this is because established Irish rock band 'Aslan' feature on this track.
'Adrenaline' is sultry and moody in vocals and bassline, singer Larry Love's vocals sound like those of Bruce Springsteen, but a little lacking in depth and sentimentality to really rival this master. 'Let It Slide' takes another change of direction and begins as an atmospheric, spaced-out electro tune with a slightly ska-rhythm behind it, the lyrics rumble over it, dark as a stormy sky, like a vamped up country tune. Lastly 'Terra Firma' continues the catchy, jaunty country sound.
Strangely it's the single, 'How Can I Protect You' that sounds incongruous amidst the B-sides and even the track itself seems slightly schizophrenic as the gravelly electronica rubs against the melodic religious affirmations awkwardly in parts. I have to admit to preferring all the B-sides by far to the false pop sentiments of 'How Can I Protect You', but whichever way you look at it, Alabama 3 have come out with some good tracks.