Forget
the New Grass Revival connections, the bluegrass and country hooks, and let go of expectations --
John Cowan opens this album up with a defiant roar of a tune driven by electronic drums and batteries of guitars, as well as bass tracks that will make some subwoofers quit under the strain. There are bluegrass and country elements to be had throughout, but
Cowan isn't constrained by them -- or constricted by a need to overcome the connections. What has come out of this is a collection of songs steeped in Americana that leaves the listener's head spinning with the changes in direction. It's good work, but not so easy to get used to. ~ Steven E. McDonald