Quite simply, Retribution Gospel Choir is a welcomed and what seems to be an inevitable extension of the slow-core outfit Low. Consisting of Low founder Alan Sparhawk and current Low bassist Steve Garrington, the only lineup difference is Eric Pollard on drums. Low percussionist/vocalist Mimi Parker isn’t completely out of the picture, as she makes her appearance on the sophomore release from the band, chiming in vocally.

I’ve always been somewhat of a casual fan of Low for a few years, latching on to the occasional song over the course of their quiet career, but recently became more intrigued with the band and it’s existence. The interest was sparked by the documentary of the band titled You May Need A Murderer released in 2008. It is an examination of a band, and a man that wrestle with the same demons that each of us endure while justifying a life in conflict with some religious leanings. A film that I highly recommend. In this film there is a scene where Sparhawk, who is married to Parker, is in what appears to be the basement of his house, practicing with what would seem to be Retribution Gospel Choir, while Parker attends to household chores and their children play outside. And while we may have seen glimpses of Sparhawks sonic tendencies in Low and even on the debut Retribution Gospel Choir record, this scene reveals Sparhawk’s electric guitar inner child, and it’s intriguing. Something inside me ached to see that come to fruition. To hear Sparhawk let loose on the electric outside of the pace and level of Low. And that is what 2 delivers.

The guitar reminiscent of Neil Young and Crazy Horse at times, while Sparhawk continues with the lyrical fodder that defines his unique views, opinions, and conflicts within the world that not only he lives in, but the one that we inhabit as well. It’s a quick 34.5 minutes of hearty, gritty rock in a time when many of us are dazzled by the bells and whistles of technology wearing the face of music.

Retribution Gospel Choir’s 2 out 1/26 on Sub Pop!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at 11:14 am and is filed under mp3's, Releases.