Spinning Jack White’s ‘Lazaretto’ for the first time is something of a revelation. A couple of seconds into the bluesy stomp of Three Women, White descends from the uncomfortable perch, on the blurred line between private and public, that has been his of late, plugging in along the way. Suddenly it all comes flooding back: this is why we’re here.
A complex character seemingly relishing his status as a grouch of some renown, what White has achieved here is actually quite remarkable and worthy of separation from his tabloid travails. Leaving aside the music for just a moment, the vinyl edition of ‘Lazaretto’ is a work of art in its own right, displaying the sort of effort, care and attention that mp3 culture has worked so hard to erode.
The record itself is more problematic, but often only because of the thrills present at its poles. The title track, That Black Bat Licorice and High Ball Stepper fizz with electricity, driven on by the ferocity of White’s fretwork, while Just One Drink takes bawdy honkytonk to its logical extreme.
But, that’s only part of the story. Elsewhere, White has written half an Americana album. In the bare bones of Temporary Ground, Would You Fight For My Love? and Alone In My Home, his Nashville surroundings filter through and take control, producing some majestic, golden-hued moments.
Tonally, though, this dichotomy leaves ‘Lazaretto’ unsure of its footing. White’s electric excess is tremendous, virtuoso fun, but the album’s softer side hints at a compelling direction and there is a sense that a diversion along the dusty paths of an alt-country record would produce something special. Whatever side of the fence you land on, the feeling will be the same: more of one, less of the other. It makes for a frustrating ride, but one with some arresting sights along the way.
Jack White Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu June 26 2014 - DUBLIN Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Thu July 03 2014 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Mon November 17 2014 - LEEDS first direct Arena
Tue November 18 2014 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Wed November 19 2014 - LONDON O2 Arena
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