P. G. SIX
Starry Mind
Drag City
Pat Gubler returns from a four-year hiatus with one of
his strongest outings, one that finds him moving further astray from his folky,
acoustic beginnings into heavier, Crazy Horse-like territory. ‘January’ wanders
aimlessly around some tasty (electric) guitar picking, while ‘Letter’ continues
the stoned, lost-in-the-desert vibe reminiscent of Black Sun Ensemble. But at
its heart, Starry Mind is a
bloodshot-eyed, thousand yard stare into the sun setting over vast Western
wastelands. Lyrics are at a minimum, allowing the band to concentrate on
lengthy instrumental jams that have a distinct West Coast ’60s aroma. Fans of
Country Joe, Quicksilver, even the Dead will be right at home within these
comfy grooves.
‘Days
Hang Heavy’ is the closest thing to their vintage recordings, a mellow little
acoustic number fondly recalling their Fairport-cum-Pentangle folky roots, and
‘Talk Me Down’ is pure country-rock with strains of Pure Prairie League, New
Riders, and Sweetheart-era Byrds
along for the ride. ‘Crooked Way’ takes too long to get moving (think of
Crosby’s ‘What Are Their Names’) but the eventual wah-wah fest excites while it
mesmerizes, and dreamy closer ‘This Song’ drowns your sorrows in a pint of rot
gut and port. It’s always a treat to hear established acts challenging
themselves to move in new directions when the bag they’re in has been so
successful, and I think both fans a newbies alike will enjoy what Pat and
company have to offer this time around.
Jeff Penczak
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