GOV'T MULE: Déjà Voodoo (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

It took Warren Haynes and Matt Abts 4 years to overcome the tragic loss of Allen Woody and to give a studio follow-up to the Gov't Mule discography. After the "Deep End" period with its multiple concerts and discographic testimonies, the two companions decided to transform the original trio into a quartet. Andy Hess, who had the opportunity to spend some time with the Black Crowes, became the band's bassist but was accompanied by Danny Louis on keyboards. This evolution is a way to mark the beginning of a new era and to prove that Allen Woody will be forever irreplaceable. It also opens new horizons to the music of the combo and allows him to evolve artistically without denying an identity that he had so much difficulty to forge.

"Déjà Voodoo" starts with a 'Bad Man Walking' illustrating perfectly this opening with its rhythmic line with Funk accents. Andy Hess' bass remains important without replacing the wall that Allen Woody used to create. As for the keyboards of Danny Louis, who also participated in the writing of this track, they undeniably bring the breath that the music of Gov't Mule needed after the dark "Life Before Insanity". Don't get the idea that Haynes and his band are now working in a festive rock'n'roll. However, tracks like 'Bad Man Walking', the irresistible and catchy 'Slackjaw Jezebel' or 'Lola Leave Your Light On', with its AC/DC-like riff and immediate chorus, bring some extra rhythmic variations and a refreshing surprise effect.

The Gov't Mule style remains however identifiable. Warren Haynes' vocals is still as deep as ever and his guitar playing, privileging the emotion and the right note to the technical demonstration, remains the same. The tempos are sometimes heavy ('About To Rage'), sometimes hypnotic ('Wine And Blood'), or even soaring ('My Separate Reality'). But above all, the band indulges in some jam sessions of which it has the secret and on which Danny Louis imposes himself as a partner of choice for Warren Haynes. 'Silent Scream' ends on a real instrumental orgy while 'New World Blues' benefits from very aerial passages. Finally, it would be unfair not to mention the performance of Matt Abts. Indeed, the latter succeeds in adapting to the new formula which leaves him the possibility of airing his play, this last one having less sound space to fill, without losing in efficiency.

This new opus sees Gov't Mule maintaining a level bordering on excellence while managing to renew his style. "Déjà Voodoo" is a great album that neophytes can approach right away to dive retrospectively into the first works of the Allen Woody period. As for the fans, they will savor with relief the pleasure of an adventure that continues with new perspectives on the horizon. - Official website

GOV'T MULE

DÉJÀ VOODOO

ATO

ROCK