Album Notes

The Chicago roots-rock band's second independent release in as many years, Medicine Hat's "Hymns and Curses From the Heartland" is a quantum leap in both songwriting and performance in comparison to their debut album, "Sundown Road". "Hymns..." showcases a wider variety of instrumentation, and, as a result, covers a lot more ground than its predecessor. Keys and acoustic guitars make up a much larger part of the band's sophomore effort, as well as the occasional lap steel, banjo, and mandolin. As a result, the songs, both musically and lyrically, stand up to (and very often outdo) much of the major label music being forced down consumers' throats today.

'The Hat' combines jam-rock, Americana, and southern boogie in a satisfying way--less wanking and more substance than your average Jambase-friendly band. "This Town" is a country-tinged roots number that wouldn't sound out of place on a Jay Farrar/Son Volt album. Likewise, "Saint in Tattered Clothes", with its banjo, mandolin, lap steel, and lyrical content, further displays the band's occasional affinity for the alternative-country genre. Continuing along these true roots lines, "Dig Me a Grave" is fondly reminiscent of Neil Young's (or even Gram Parsons') brand of country-rock, sounding almost like a revivalist rave-up.

Medicine Hat still rocks, however-- "Dopesick" struts like a Stonesy "Exile On Main St"-era barroom romp. With "Green Station Shuffle", the band creates its most infectious groove to date, and "Hello Again" is English-tinged pop rock, not too far removed from The Kinks. The band even turns in a soulful rocker, a la the Black Crowes, or even The Allman Brothers, with the heartfelt "Seven Sundays". There are other little rough gems hidden in "Hymns..." as well, but they're not hard to find.

The best thing about the album is, while paying homage to their numerous influences, it never feels like Medicine Hat are trying to cop anybody's sound-they've created one they can call their own....