[rating=7.00]
Radium Death is William Elliott Whitmore’s eigth studio album and a departure of sorts for the Iowa based roots/folk musician. On his last offering 2011’s Field Songs, Whitmore went as sparse as possible using sometimes just his distinct voice to get his rustic yearning tunes across. Now the man with the dirt laden (in a good way) vocals has expanded things, plugging in electric on tracks, being backed by a full band and putting more of his DIY past into the present.
Recorded up at his cousins Flat Back Studios in Iowa City Whitmore has crafted a mix of Americana on Radium Death. The opener “Healing To Do” buzzes and shakes around a snapping snare and electric guitar before a huge howl introduces some organ to close out the track admirably. “Trouble In Your Heart” and “Ain’t Gone Yet” both give Whitmore a rolling musical backdrop but his powerful voice wants to lag behind where on “Don’t Strike Me Down” the feeling comes across that Whitmore’s vocals are pushing for a more direct/upbeat attack from the band.
“A Thousand Deaths” calls to mind Bruce Springsteens Devil and Dust efforts while a steel guitar comes in for the weeping and well placed “Can’t Go Back”. The back to basics of banjo and defiant lyrics of “Civilizations” and “Have Mercy” showcase what WEW does best with simplistic presentation. “South Lee County Brew” is in Whitmore’s wheelhouse with all the makings of a throwdown-hoedown, but never gets the energy it promises.
That balance between solo artist and frontman seems to be influx and at times the added instrumentation can dilute Whitmore’s amazingly textured voice. The variety presented on Radium Death helps in the long run adding a new wrinkle to Whitmore’s catalog but finding that pocket between individual and bandleader is a work in progress if he continues down this road.