Good news: Yes, there is boisterous Americana.
One could only guess that the intimate and tranquil last record, QUIETLY BLOWING IT, would call for a more upbeat album response. However, no one would have guessed that Hiss Golden Messenger would release what is possibly the most optimistic upbeat album of their career with JUMP FOR JOY. Apart from some sound collage interludes, it’s not the only new twist that singer, guitarist, bandleader and this time also producer MC Taylor come up with. In the character of Michael Crow, Taylor has created a lyrical alter ego through which he reflects on his own life and musical experiences.
While the light-flooded, fun-loving basic mood quite well counteracts the Dylan style in Taylor’s vocal melodies and phrasing, which can never be completely faded out and is also subtle on this album, addictive songs like “Shinbone” or “Feeling Eternal” and its smooth slide lick make a clear impression A little closer to The War On Drugs.
Adding a saxophone or, like the chorus of “Nugrape,” Taylor gets guest vocals from progressive bluegrass group Crooked Still singer Aoife O’Donovan and The Band drummer Levon’s daughter Amy Helms , that sounds like a dance fan catch ray devised by the Black Crowes in cooperation with Jamiroquai.