Shape Shift With Me＜Blue Vinyl＞

Laura Jane Grace treated Transgender Dysphoria Blues as a coming-out party, letting every aspect of her sexuality flood out in a torrent. After such a lacerating album, where does one go? Shape Shift with Me, an album recorded with a new lineup of Against Me! thats still anchored by Grace and guitarist James Bowman, goes a long way toward addressing that question. As an album, Shape Shift with Me doesnt feel as urgent as Transgender Dysphoria Blues. Its not just that Grace unleashed all her pent-up emotions two years prior: the production is clean, even punchy, emphasizing the big pop hooks that drive so many of the tunes. At times, Against Me! can recall college rock heroes of the past -- Husker Du hang heavy over the proceedings, particularly on 12:03, a coiled expression of love angst -- but whenever Grace flirts with the past she suggests a future: shes claiming an unspoken queer tradition that flows through the American underground, one that comes to the surface on this album, for her own Transgender Dysphoria Blues felt like an unrestrained howl but on Shape Shift with Me, Grace feels comfortable within her own skin, happy to not have every song on her album be a statement. Consequently, Shape Shift with Me feels considerably lighter than its predecessor: Grace is reveling in her mess, resulting in an album that is lighter, fleeter, hookier, and more fun than its predecessor. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

USチャートでキャリア最高位を記録した前作のリリース時に、トランスジェンダーであることを明かしたトム・ゲイブル改めローラ・ジェーン・グレイス率いる4人組。2年ぶり7枚目となるこの新作でも、パンク・ロックにカントリーやブルースなどUSルーツ音楽を織り交ぜた音楽性は健在だ。深みを増しつつ、ある意味キャッチーに進化したとも言えるアッパーなメロディーで聴き手を鼓舞。ローラのシャウトも変わらず熱い!
bounce (C)粟野竜二