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Jun 05, 2014 Issue #50 - June/July 2014 - Future Islands By Daniel Kohn

The past few years have seen Bob Mould return to his hard-rockin’ ways. His dalliance with dance music is a thing of a past, and for fans of Hüsker Dü and Sugar, this record is a welcome to return to the heavier periods of both Mould-fronted outfits.

Opening with a ferocious blast in the form of heavy guitar riffs that introduce and pace intro track “Low Season,” Mould’s new album is out to continue where 2012’s Silver Age left off. The aggressiveness of the first track is echoed throughout, with the Hüsker Dü frontman recalling the power of alternative rock and why it flew into the mainstream in the first place. Somehow, whenever he ups the tempo, like on the frantic “Kid With Crooked Face,” Mould manages to become more melodic. The then-and-now photo that’s slapped on the album’s cover gives a glimpse into the singer/songwriter’s psyche as his lyrics tackle mortality and his own aging. As the alt rock veteran approaches 30 years in the rock spotlight, Mould shows no signs of pumping the brakes on his creativity. (www.bobmould.com)

Author rating: 7/10