Walter Haynes and Co in another album where they stretch their limits and make us the listeners happier. More rocking, then their last blues experiment has some great riff oriented songs, the ZZ TOP reminiscent"Shake our way out" where who else could participate then Mr Gibbons himself an excellent mid tempo soul/funk infused "Dreaming out loud' with the participation of Neville and in general great songs like the PINK FLOYDish "Made my peace" which explodes in a great jam between organ and guitar in true Jam-blues fashion with some excellent honky tonk piano topping the jam. "Peace i need" is a groovy classic rock song in pure Bad Company,Free style, full of rhythm and edge delivery in the same vein as "Long time coming". The opening track "Same as it ever was" is a prime example of classic rock/blues songwriting and talent, a slow tune with Hanes gravy vocals, 70s organ and simple but effective guitar licks, that culminate in a jam middle section.
"Your only friend" is a SKYNYRD, Allman style piano led ballad , touching and emotionally charged. "Billy Bob Thornton adds with his baritone voice an extra feeling to the bossa nova/jazzy- blues "The river only flows one way", a song that could be easily part of PORTISHEAD or MASSIVE ATTACK setlist."After the storm" is a howling blues with as usual outstanding guitar and organ, making this tired genre , ear candy, with the tasteful organ, reminiscent of DOORs Ray Manzarec playing. "Gone too long" is another GM Southern influenced standard with the guitar on the spotlight.
Great guitar by Hanes, the rhythm section is down to the basics (their basics) provide a steamroller of background so the band can make classic rock, blues, jam music, Honky tonk, soul and jazzy tunes sound and look so easy to play and even easier to enjoy, only when the second is truth. An album of tunes, well crafted and even more well executed where a jam band meets blues rock and Southern rock in a well crafted amalgam of influences, inspiration and human touch.Another thing that we must not let go by, is Hanes lyrics, not the ordinary blues rock lyrics as you can listen at "Gone too long" , "Just across the river" and "Long time coming", more focus on social awareness than your usual blues band. The Mule has a lot more road to cover and is always the most reliable choice when it comes sto guitar driven blues rock in our days.
8,5