BOB MOULD
Body of Song (Yep Roc)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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Bob Mould returns with his first record of new material since Modulate (2002), his controversial musical departure. The former singer and guitarist of Sugar and Hüsker Dü has revamped his sound, once again, with Body of Song - however, the results are tempered and closer to his trademark intense guitar rock sound. On Modulate, the singer/composer/songwriter jettisoned his usual guitar heavy attack for an entirely solo record produced with Pro Tools software on his computer. Critics and fans were divided, but the music was adventurous and eclectic with elements of techno, house and disco blended into his highly defined style. However, the record's greatest attribute was that it included excellent songwriting on standouts such as "180 Rain" and "Semper Fi."

Body of Song relies less on programmed music and more on the loud rock of his past, albeit with a dynamic compositional touch. For this batch of songs, Mould performs guitars, bass, keyboards and programming. He is backed by drummers Brendan Canty (Fugazi), Matt Hammon (who has appeared on his previous solo records and tours) and bassist David Barbe (Sugar) as well as cellist Amy Domingues on a couple of tracks. The record powerfully commences with "Circles," a heavy guitar rocker reminiscent of Mould's work with Sugar. Huge slabs of distorted guitar play over his angst-filled lyrics about a relationship gone awry. He follows a similar modus operandi on rockers "Missing You" and "Paralyzed," but on the latter with keyboard embellishments that were absent before Modulate.

The record integrates Mould's previous guitar-centered sound with his recent explorations into programmed music. "(Shine Your) Light Love Hope" is one of the best examples: it combines a trippy house beat with distorted vocoder vocals and steady guitar chords; it's an excellent dance number. He further stretches his composition skills on "Underneath Days," flawlessly mixing chugging guitar and a series of vocal effects. Mould has expanded and sharpened his command as a vocalist: see his subdued and restrained singing on the heavily techno "Always Tomorrow" and the bittersweet ballad "Days of Rain." If that's not eclectic enough, Mould performs "High Fidelity," a beautiful acoustic ballad.

Body of Song is a diverse and dynamic collection of songs. Perhaps this range might upset a few fans of only his loud and aggressive music, but repeated listening brings greater rewards as the numerous layers of the record reveal themselves.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick