While Jack White has never been the most kempt figure, his music has always possessed meticulous attention to detail. The fact his long-running blues-rock band the White Stripes wore strictly colour coordinated outfits only reinforces the perception that he's a rigorous self-editor with a penchant for regimentalism.
This has often reflected in the projects he's worked on: the Dead Weather was an escapist venture with a dark, psychedelic tinge, while the Raconteurs satisfied his craving for a scuzzier garage rock sound. But free from the reins of others, White's artistic tastes are more wide-ranging, and the records released under his own name have thus far been uncompromisingly experimental.
White said in a 2014 interview with the Guardian's Tim Lewis: “I'm incredibly complicated, incredibly full of energy, incredibly busy and I never stop thinking, I never stop creating.”
Four years later, it appears he's only become more swivel-eyed in his approach to songwriting. 'Boarding House Reach' is a haphazard collection of songs that range from undercooked to outright embarrassing.
He's not completely lost sight of his strengths: opener Connected by Love is hook-driven with gospel-inspired vocals and powerful organ, a throwback to his old band's 'Get Behind Me Satan' era. His favoured Led Zeppelin-esque guitar tones are present and correct on Corporation and Over and Over and Over. These tracks are a tad directionless, granted, but White is better than most at bringing a bluesy jam session to life on record.
However, so much of 'Boarding House Reach' is ill-thought out and underdeveloped. Lyrically, the album's first half is a mess – the imagery on Why Walk the Dog? is so hilariously on the nose it feels satirical – and much of the production feels like it's been hurriedly spliced together. Ice Station Zebra is a particular low point as White boldly raps the opening stanzas, using the kind of laboured single syllable rhymes that were played out in the early ‘80s.
You want to give White credit for trying things, and on Hypermisophoniac he releases his inner Zappa by embellishing a dissonant electro template with wild improvised piano and squealing guitar. It could almost be appreciated as postmodern if it wasn't so convoluted. But even these more imaginative experimentations feel dragged out and unnecessary. If White's previous solo efforts were like the work of a mad scientist, 'Boarding House Reach' feels more akin to that of a deluded dad-rock musician.
There are glimpses of White attempting to find his feet – on What's Done is Done he says that “life has become a bore” and “I just can't find it no more” – but even if his lament that “this ain't no fun” is just for show, it doesn't negate the fact that he needs a producer to set him straight. He is undeniably an auteur who, without the constrictions of a band around him, is at a stage in his career where he feels bold and free-spirited. But you get the sense he'd be at his best with a bit more structure.
Jack White Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Wed March 28 2018 - LONDON Garage
Tue June 26 2018 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Wed June 27 2018 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Thu June 28 2018 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
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