JAY BENNETT AND EDWARD BURCH
The Palace At 4am (Part I) (Bent Penny)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Disappointed Wilco fans (what with the new record veering into prog rock territory and all) may be able to put away the razor for ex-pat Jay Bennett has concocted a listening slab much in line with said band's previous alt-country forays. It may be a tad lengthy at 69 minutes, and doesn't really start rolling until half-time, but the payoff that comes with the package is indeed worthy. Bennett and Burch (a remarkable Jeff Tweedy substitute, and probably with less baggage) employ a wide range of instruments to suit their every whim, crafting intricate little folk songs that sound damn simple but carry some weight. The playing is superb and the vocals surprisingly strong. Of special note is a couple more Woody Guthrie lyrics turned to tunes as on the Mermaid Avenue projects. Nice touch.

© 2004 - John Sekerka