The Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Brian Jonestown Massacre

Cult classics The Brian Jonestown Massacre return with their self-titled 18th studio album

Album Review by Paul Sinclair | 18 Mar 2019
  • The Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Album title: The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Artist: The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Label: A Recordings
Release date: 15 Mar

The Brian Jonestown Massacre, led by maverick musician Anton Newcombe return with album number 18, a mere nine months since the release of their last record Something Else. Initially due for release in September of 2018, the group pushed the record’s release back due to excessive touring that saw them successfully perform the world over.

Opening with the jangly guitar-laden Drained, this new release quickly feels familiar, the instantly recognisable BJM sound welcoming the listener back into the minds of Newcombe and company. Tombes Oubliées features a guest vocal appearance from Rike Bienert, who has popped up on previous BJM releases. This psychedelic tune carries a 60s vibe that is constant throughout the album, as the slow jams and vintage sounding guitar riffs would fit any party during the summer of love, or indeed in the modern day, laying around, watching the clouds go by in a haze of smoke and sunshine.

There are no weak spots in this album, and it's a solid release that doesn't stray too far from the BJM formula of old. We Never Had a Chance has a golden nostalgia to it, a beautiful example that songs don't need to be incredibly complex to pack a musical punch.

While there's nothing particularly new or breakaway on this self-titled release, it’s a familiar feeling that will leave fans more than satisfied.

Listen to: We Never Had a Chance, Cannot Be Saved

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