Squandering potential rarely sounds so
good
There’s no way Monsters of Folk could
ever live up to expectations. The group features four of the most
influential indie musicians of the decade, whose combined forces may
spell apocalypse: M. Ward, Jim James, Conor Oberst, and producer Mike
Mogis. Rather than make a staid, serious statement album, the
foursome keeps things loose and low-key, content to sound like
postmillennial Traveling Wilburys (“Whole Lotta Losin’”) but
generally just being themselves. “Temazcal” overlays Oberst’s
grave vocals over James’ background whoops and hollers, creating a
sound that neither of them could have made without the other. Ward’s
virtuosic range allows the Monsters to incorporate country and
early-rock elements on “Say Please” and “The Right Place,”
and while Mogis may not have the cache of his bandmates, his
production keeps things light and rambling. Plus, his guitar solo on
“Say Please” is one of the album’s best and most unexpectedly
bracing moments.