What follows is a lovingly balanced set of rural rockers ("Street Fighting Sun") and dirt road ballads ("Girl in a Coat") that sound about as far from the murky introspection of 2010's Destroyer of the Void as one would expect from a band that continuously tries to reinvent themselves within their own psych-folk/alt-country/indie rock universe, and almost always succeeds.
The eclectic Portland, Oregon based quintet's 6th studio album is a return to form following last year's Destroyer of the Void, which, despite showcasing Blitzen Trapper's refined instrumental chops, came off as flat, derivative, and fatally overproduced.
American Goldwing does eerily recreate that saggy, limbo-like feeling of the mid-1970s, before punk happened, and when much music of the period hung as wearily as bellbottoms--but presumably that form of nostalgia was unintentional.
It bothers me that The Guardian wrote the following line in their review. "but presumably that form of nostalgia was unintentional." ThisIt bothers me that The Guardian wrote the following line in their review. "but presumably that form of nostalgia was unintentional." This bothers me because if they had done just a little bit of background research, they would have realized that the nostalgia experienced while listening to this album was 100% intentional. Blitzen Trapper's main singer Eric Earley said it in an interview near first announcing their new album. When asked what he's trying to express when crafting the album, he says "It's me trying to evoke a true American nostalgia." When it comes to modern albums/bands attempting to recreate that 70's rock feeling, Blitzen Trapper have created a true nostalgic masterpiece. The only thing this album is missing is a small bit more of the creation that the band can call their own. This album is one of the most immediately enjoyable albums I have listened to this year. No matter how much the critics and hipsters say it's not creative, I can tell you that I don't care. Sometimes it's nice to have a break from the overwhelming creativity that's sprouting in a lot of new music nowadays. For Blitzen Trapper to bring us back to the simpler days when everybody could sit around and enjoy some of the popular rock music I think is absolutely genius. Say what you will about this album and it's so-called "Underwhelming" creativity, I think a good album is one you can immediately enjoy, and this album definitely fits that category.…Expand
This is my first review--and one I feel obligated to write due to the insultingly-low score given to this album by the critics.This is my first review--and one I feel obligated to write due to the insultingly-low score given to this album by the critics. Immediately-gratifying and full of hooks that draw you in and bring you back for more, American Goldwing is yet another triumph for a band that has consistently impressed for the better part of ten years. While not the stratospheric leap between "Wild Mountain Nation" and "Furr", this album is still of a quality lacking in most new releases this year. I challenge you to find another "indie" band with three consecutive releases that deliver so completely. "American Goldwing" does exactly what it was intended to do--it evokes a time and place of yore. And it still sounds 100% like Blitzen Trapper. These guys are the real deal, folks.…Expand
This album, to me, hits the sweet spot. Sure, it reaches back to Skynyrd, the Band, the Allman Bros, etc. But perhaps that is not a badThis album, to me, hits the sweet spot. Sure, it reaches back to Skynyrd, the Band, the Allman Bros, etc. But perhaps that is not a bad thing, ey? There is no doubt that this album rocks like so little of contemporary releases- -even ones I really like--do. And is that not refreshing?…Collapse
I will say this is my favorite release of the year so far. Their others albums are brilliant imo both lyrically and musically but more of anI will say this is my favorite release of the year so far. Their others albums are brilliant imo both lyrically and musically but more of an acquired taste to many. This album however keeps that vibe but also has the most straight forward and mass appealing songs they have ever written like Fletcher and Love The Way You Walk Away. The latter is one of my favorite songs ever written. I feel Eric Earley is one of the most underrated lyricists right now and music. He is unreal. For those who have not heard of this band, this would be the perfect starter album to build interest. Too bad that fool shrimp has no clue who these guys are.…Expand
A beautiful mix of songs by a talented act. I love their blend of alt. country, folk and jangle pop. Great album to chill out to. GoodA beautiful mix of songs by a talented act. I love their blend of alt. country, folk and jangle pop. Great album to chill out to. Good down-home atmosphere pours from the speakers...enjoy!…Expand
