The quality isn't puzzling
Mojave 3's new album lies in between the strumming melodic world of country and the chiming upbeat hopefulness of 1980's British indie. With the backbone of Mojave 3 having carved out a niche as 1990's shoe gazers Slowdive, this album is a joyous affirmation of life.
Opener 'Truck Driving Man' is a boogie woogie affair that sweeps along, and although the vocals are delicate and low in the mix, they seem to have a depth and warmth about them. With keyboard fills and possibly theremin like sounds puncturing the tone, it's an impressive start and would certainly challenge any preconceptions of what a Mojave 3 album would sound like.
The album is definitely a summer album and the pace lends itself to nodding heads and humming along whilst the lyrical content is breezy and optimistic.
The title track of the record offers a strong chorus and again features a theremin in the background. With the opening two tracks offering this sound (or at least a representation of it, it is so hard to tell with bands these days) it's perhaps inevitable that comparisons with the Beach Boys would surface.
On 'Breaking The Ice' these comparisons come to the fore, the most overly summer song, the feel of the early 1970s and striking production qualities raise the bar highly. The underlying guitar features a nagging repeating riff that can be missed on the first few listens such is the upfront melody but after a while, it breaks through and becomes the focal point of the song. Even the break down section near the end works well and aids the band in building a big finish.
The album works well in one sitting, cohesive enough to form a singular piece but enough variation in tempo and style to maintain an interest for the listener. It's fair to say that after the first few tracks there are no great surprises coming to the listener but this is offset by the quality of the song writing and musicianship.
With pedal steel guitars and banjos lending a more authentic country sound and the Hammond organ maintaining a more contemporary edge to the songs, the album is a success and can hopefully break new ground for the act.
If you have never heard of Mojave 3 before then there is no need to worry about any preconceptions but if you are aware of the bands history and have perhaps avoided them because of this, fear no more and give them a whirl.