[rating=7.00]
J Mascis’ second solo record for Sub Pop finds him again going (mostly) acoustic but where 2011’s Several Shades of Why skewed minimal, Tied To A Star explores a bounty of sonic textures. The guitarist is getting older and discovering how to use the studio and acoustic instruments to create the dynamics he used to deliver via feedback and overdrive; much like fellow noise rocker Thurston Moore did on 2011’s excellent Demolished Thoughts. These indie rockers are making Sunday morning albums that are still challenging and not just ear bleeding.
That said, the best moments on Tied To A Star are when J plugs in. Those moments were far too rare on Several Shades of Why and here Mascis gets electric on the majority of the songs even if it is for texture/background purposes. “Come Down” has acoustic picking and strumming as its lead instrument, double tracking at times, but there is a feedback buzz that adds a foundation that contributes a nuanced feel to the otherwise very repetitive track.
Repetition is big with Mascis, and if you weren’t a fan of his song writing and restrained singing style this disk won’t sway you. All you need to do is look at the track titles to get a sense of what he is going for; “Stumble”, “Drifter”, “Trailing Off”, the slacker vibe is alive and Meh’ing. The joy in Tied To A Star aren’t the vocals or lyrics but in the pristine sound and elegant guitar work the tracks provide.
“Heal The Star” is the most exciting offering, showing where J can take this style; the track is upbeat with aggressive strumming, par for the course until an electric guitar floats in the background as J sings falsetto. The electronic dynamics grow as a sense of dread enters and the track ends with 1:28 of blistering instrumentation. Eastern style percussion rumbles powerfully to the forefront as chimes, bells and layers of sound float out; this is intricate, heavy, acoustic rock. The instrumental “Drifter” picks back up on this same vibe later on and both these compositons are brimming with possibilities.
Not everything is as confident or unique, as the album’s opening two tracks “Me Again” and “Every Morning” are lightweight compared to the electric/acoustic combos that follow. On the successful side “Wide Awake” again begins basic (albeit with some great acoustic fretboard work) but continues to add layers incorporating Chan Marshall’s vocals, cymbal crashes, a drum break and gorgeously warbling electric guitar to close.
In retrospect Several Shades of Why sounded like a demo of J with his guitar, but now on Tied To A Star the influential guitarist has really spread out when it comes to production instrumentation and sound layering; successfully managing to engage without turning up his patented volume. Combining his loud and quiet worlds is bringing exciting results for Mascis, who will never unplug completely and we’ll thank the stars for that.
