This surprise, vinyl-only and presumably limited release by the US star, handed out on 19th July as a freebie to customers at his Third Man Records label in Detroit, Nashville and London, is a superbly satisfyingly Led Zeppelin-esque rock release also reminiscent of his original White Stripes band sound. A purist’s item in every respect with an anonymous sleeve, none of the 13 tracks are named, so it’s classic White. Bootlegged, no doubt temporarily online on YouTube and elsewhere, but perhaps more formally available in the future, it’s a must-listen for fans of White or White Stripes. Track one a Jimmy Page guitar sound and a dash of Deep Purple-era organ, but essentially core rock instruments dominate. Track 2 seems to attack modern-day narcissism (“God-on-command / God-on-demand / If God’s too busy I’ll bless myself”). Track 3 has a stripped back thrum on the verse with a fabulous dial tone guitar effect, then breaking into full on rock chorus. Track 4 is particularly Zeppelin, and Track 5 has a tongue-in-cheek religious fire-and-brimstone lyrics: “Just like Joshua and the fabled walls of Jericho, I’m here to tear down the institution!” It’s all fabulous stuff, with Track 7 with a distinctive White Stripe beat-and-riff simplicity, more rock-pop with killer lines such as “the truth’s become opinion these days”. Track 9 moves into bluesy groove, Track 11 echoes into syncopated fun as instruments take turn with riffing. There’s not a dud track to be found – every one a rock banger ticking all the boxes of freshness and retro sound. Restless, angry, witty, and of course sublime musicianship by the bucket load. Brilliant. Out on Third Man Records.
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