Known Associates

2024年に高い評価を受けた前作に続くThe Paranoid Styleによる新作。ヴァン・モリソン風のホーンとレナード・コーエン的な情感が交錯する本作はエリザベス・ネルソンが現代において最も重要かつ反骨的なソングライターのひとりであることを示す作品。

Back with more of their compelling juxtaposition of riff-fueled rock and writer/musician Elizabeth Nelsons hyper-aware, articulate, sometimes esoteric conversational patter, the Paranoid Style present their timely titled fifth LP, Known Associates. With the exception of new bassist Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, it reunites the noteworthy lineup from 2024s The Interrogator: Nelson, her husband Timothy Bracy (the Mendoza Line), lead guitarist Peter Holsapple (the dBs), keyboardist William Matheny, and drummer Jon Langmead, most of whom are also fellow freelance writers. As usual, the group welcomed a few guests into the studio as well, namely the Mountain Goats Matt Douglas, and Eugene Edwards (Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Beck, and so on), perhaps best known as Dwight Yoakams lead guitarist. With this caliber of crew on board for the loose and impulsive-sounding sessions -- and without giving away too many spoilers -- the album is peppered with classic rock references, giving it an additional layer of fun for listeners of a certain nerdy persuasion. One of the more conspicuous examples of this is the famous guitar riff from the Rivieras "California Sun," transposed on "A Barrier to Entry," a song that namechecks Sonic Youth in the process of enumerating everyday obstacles. Staying in the music domain, Nelson pays tribute to Washington, D.C.-area guitar legends Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan on "Tearing the Ticket," a track that features Douglas on saxophone and flute, helping to gently evoke 80s Springsteen. Elsewhere, "Elegant Bachelors" subject matter was inspired by Don Henley, and the "LR" in country-rocker "Its a Dogs Breakfast (for LR)" is Linda Ronstadt. ("A dogs breakfast" is a British expression meaning hot mess.) Later, they lean into cow bell-accented glam on "White Wine Whatever," and closer "Badges and Wages" dims the lights with a sparser reflection on economic angst. Fun as well as smart and gratifying, Known Associates is another terrific outing from the project that rewards repeat listens, both for its musical and lyrical finds. ~ Marcy Donelson