‘Is‘ refers to the action of being, a form of the present tense: “I like how the word ‘Is’ indicates a sense of presence in the now”, Jim James explains, regarding the album title. But what it really IS, perhaps, is an album about love. That elusive state which either eludes us, consumes us, confuses us or elates us.
For album number ten, all the trusty elements are there, not least five musicians who would follow each other through any obstacle. Like a championship winning sports team who all know where the others will be. A consistent line up, present for the last seven albums. James, Broemel, Kosta, Blankenship, Hallahan. Solid, dependable. It was produced by Grammy Award winning Brendan O’Brien (a man who has an impressive CV, having produced or engineered, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers , AC/DC, Pearl Jam, plus numerous Nu Metal bands) and mainly recorded in L.A in 2024. It follows their last offering, the eponymously titled My Morning Jacket, released in 2021 and is the first album where James has relinquished production duties, but the results are just as impressive and O’Brien’s inclusion offers an outside ear, resulting in fresh ideas. Also, a safe pair of hands. It’s never easy to leave the infant with the babysitter for the first time. We even get a very rare band shot for the cover art . Is this symbolic? Are they coming more ‘Out in the Open’?
So what we have IS The masters of Ethereal Rock returning, with, as always, a hugely spiritual offering, showing all the signs of why they’re one of the best studio and live bands on the planet right now, giving proof of why we need them so much. Some albums have a smattering of key songs. This album is enriched with them. Like a bejewelled tome, it has wonders with every turn of the page. ‘Out in the Open‘ sets the tone, the sort of mid-tempo, keyboard led, disciplined slow burner, which has initiated many of their previous albums and will probably open one or two live shows. This was actually created by James, initially, on a ukulele, during the pandemic. The song takes you by the hand and leads you through the door of the treasury. ‘Half a Lifetime‘ follows, a song which has been laying around on a dusty shelf since the sessions for the seminal ‘Z’ album, twenty years ago, proving the flavour is in the fermentation. It’s now vastly upped in tempo and transformed into the punchy, crisp specimen on offer here.
‘Everyday Magic‘ is a gorgeous little polished gem. An ode to love found. It’s just one of those uplifting songs that’s been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it. An earworm which I’m more than happy to host. As James puts it, a song inspired by seeing the magic in the everyday things you perhaps take for granted. ‘I Can Hear Your Love‘ is the most laidback song on the album and not unlike songs from James’s solo offerings. A cousin tune to…well….It reminds me of something, but I haven’t placed it yet and probably never will. Soft, melodic, wistful. A lazy vocal comparison could easily be made here. I’m not taking the bait. Many have. Jim is very much Jim, and has a far greater and richer singing voice than most. One of the best there is.
‘Time Waited‘ is based on a piano intro from an old record, specifically Buddy Emmons’ Blue Jade, which James happened upon and subsequently acted upon. This was issued as the first single and the radio stations should love it. Such a victorious love song. Time waited for you and me. Take all the time you need. ‘Beginning From the Ending‘ sounds like it could easily have slotted on to the eco friendly, crescendo endowed Waterfall album and is a beautiful piece, steering the album gracefully through its middle section. “Wishes and dreams became reality” sings Jim over a truly lovely tune, driven along by a superb bass line. This is just fantastic.
‘Lemme Know‘, in tempo and feel, is very much a cousin of the previous album’s ‘Least Expected.’ This song has the uplifting reassurance which tells me that I’m listening to something quite special, Bo Kosta’s subtle keyboard interactions doing just enough to sprinkle some real fairy dust on top. I cannot wait to hear this one live if UK dates are announced. Is this the best track on the album? Possibly.
‘Squid Ink‘ was the second single taken from the album and has the same kind of punchy guitar attack as ‘Complex’ from the previous album or ‘Remnants’ if you want to go way back into history to 2008’s ‘Evil Urges’. The song arose from a basement jam between James and drummer Patrick Hallahan and is about certain people who fill a room with negativity rather like how a squid shoots ink into sea water. On ‘Die For it‘, Jim sings “The more you the love, the more you gain”. This one plays at a similar pace to the last song, but whilst that one had a summary, this one asks all the questions. Played over a snappy Hallahan beat and embellished by the rest of the band, suddenly we’re already at the last song, ‘River Road‘. This should have been a sprawling epic to finish the album, but it gets its wings clipped, just as it’s about to fly. It feels like a compromise was agreed here, which is a shame, as it’s a wonderful song. I think that’s one thing I’d love to see them do – really let loose on some songs. (a la ‘Lay Low’ for example). There’s nothing greater than space and freedom. There aren’t many bands so ably capable of delivering an 11 minute slow burner. ‘River Road‘ could have been that, but it fades during a lovely guitar piece. However, it’s a small quibble, perhaps. I also think there was space for a couple more tracks. Especially whilst they’re on this kind of form. (The album clocks in at a vinyl friendly 40 mins, not a cd friendly 60). The listener is left wanting more. Not a bad thing, of course. Maybe I’m being greedy. I didn’t want this album to end. When a band of this magnitude has dozens of quality songs in reserve and in depth though, nothing would be compromised by a few more minutes.
That aside, there’s a decalogue of songs chosen that will all add greatly to the vast and impressive live canon. The band never play the same set twice and when playing two or three nights in the same city, they have a habit of never repeating any song during that tenure. These songs will only enhance that philosophy. This ‘IS’ a stunning album , up there with their best work. They rightly feel proud of these songs, and so they should. It’s pretty special. Like the blooming of spring flowers. These bright colours can fill us with optimism, to feel ‘Among the Living’ with each listen. Everytime I hear this band, I remember why I fell in love with music and……….”Love was all that mattered.”
Is is released on 21st March through ATO Records.
