Their strengths lie within rocky, repetitive grooves and guitar wizardry, with Johnson’s own appearance aptly resembling that of a wizard.
The importance of Back To Land lies in that Wooden Shjips came up with a differentiated way of expression with respect to their past work, while conforming fully to the strict directives the band identifies with.
Back to Land, then: business as usual, but the business remains good.
This stuff is resolutely free of any post-punk geometry, blazing along less self-consciously and more indebted elsewhere: Northern Cali's long psychedelic history, everywhere else's long psychedelic history, or Neil Young at his most burnt-out
Compared with their previous six albums, ‘Back To Land’ occasionally feels a bit like Wooden Shjips lite.
The overall pace, sequence, and vibe of Back to Land finds the Shjips teetering on the edge of classic rock mania with enough restraint to keep things minimal, mystical, and interesting throughout.
‘Back To Land’ doesn’t do enough to grab attention. It’s satisfying and completely listenable, bar for the weight of repetition, but all too often lacks definition and most importantly purpose.
Wooden Shjips - Back to Land (2013)
9 year anniversary today (Released Nov. 12th 2013)
Back to Land is a hazy and psychedelic outing for Wooden Shjips. The album has such a mellow vibe throughout that it's impossible not to let it wash over you and chill you out.
Back to Land - 79
Ruins - 72
Ghouls - 65
These Shadows - 80
In the Roses - 73
Other Stars - 74
Servants - 72
Everybody Knows - 74
#67 | / | musicOMH |