Amazing Grace

Jason Pierce, Doctor of Rock Divinity, returns with a selection of simplistic hymns interspersed with some rockers. Overall, this is a tepid album. The rockers are relatively few, short (all these tunes are in the 3-4 minute range), and lacking that last 10% of ferocity, track 9 excepted. The ballads on the other hand are a bit mushy and going nowhere in particular. The soul that should be at the heart of this is really just missing. Amusing side note – I doubt that they did actually register the phrase “Amazing Grace” but what’s with the ® on the cover?

1. Grungy squawk from the guitar and distorted vocals – dirrrty
2. Fast, raucous tune with big sound
3. The soulful side of Jason Pierce sneaks into view in this adapted hymn
4. More slow balladry but it’s a defeated mood that hangs over it
5. Petulant anthem
6. Guitar ‘n’ trumpet ballad
7. Bland
8. Lovely little electric guitar curlicues
9. Fuck yeah, pumping organ and howling guitar
10. Couple of minutes of aimless noodling leading into a damaged-psyche downer of a gorgeous ballad and tailing back into a semi-noodle
11. Tender ballad sort of spoiled by a wanky bit of guitar