Medium Raw (CD)
Early James
Amoeba Review
Birmingham, Alabama's Early James digs into a gritty, sparse sound on his new album, Medium Raw. The production is once again by Dan Auerbach, but whereas most of the songs on his previous albums were co-written, Medium Raw features more solo compositions, and it's a strong set of jangly folk/rock and blues/rock. Kicking off with the lively "Steely Knives," the album immediately embodies an authentic-sounding old-timey atmosphere. "Gravy Train" is a delightful front porch jam, while "Nothing Surprises Me Anymore" could grace the soundtrack to a moody western film. "Tinfoil Hat" adds to that darker mood, highlighted by some unexpected surf guitar.