Compared to UNKLE's prior album Never, Never Land, their new album War Stories is more cohesive and has its act together, feeling more alive and sounding more like the next phase from their 1998 debut Psyence Fiction. With a cast of guests both random and talented, UNKLE are in fighting form here. With a cast of characters including vocalists Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Ian Astbury (The Cult), 3D (Massive Attack), The Duke Spirit, Autolux and Gavin Clark (Clayhill), the album is bursting at the seams with odd mixes of talent and strong songs. Taking rock stars out of their element like former Cult and The Doors singer Ian Astbury and Queens of the Stone Age/Eagles of Death Metal's Josh Homme and placing them in the hands of UNKLE's James LaVelle and Richard File was probably the smartest thing they could have done. Sounding fresher than they have in a long time, Homme playing on "Restless," a sexy dance/rock song is one of the catchiest tracks on the album, while "Burn My Shadow" has Astbury softly singing in a way you're really not used to hearing the man known for "She Sells Sanctuary" sing. But nevertheless, it works and works well being the lead single and one of the strongest on the album. Don't forget to check out the video for this song as a lot of controversy surrounds it for its concept.
What makes UNKLE great is the idea of taking a bunch of artists from other genres and bringing them into their world. It's a concept that could have flopped but due to the brilliance of James LaVelle, Richard File, and everyone else involved in these albums, they really helped the DJ and electronic music genre evolve into something bigger than itself, and War Stories is a testament to that. With so many talented guest stars involved, if you think you'll get bored with this album, think again as you might learn a thing or two from newcomers The Duke Spirit on "Mayday" who surprisingly have one of the strongest rocking tracks on the album for a rather new band. While their previous effort Never, Never Land was no great letdown, War Stories is a more consistent effort filled to the brim with strong tracks worth listening to over and over. I like it. I like it a lot! |