Review: WINO – “Punctuated Equilibrium”

Wino – “Punctuated Equilibrium”
released January 26, 2009 by Southern Lord

The guitar giant and relatively unsung living legend, who garnered much respect and notoriety with Sabbath-worshipping doom metal bands like The Obsessed and Saint Vitus, finally releases his first solo effort in his 30+ year career.  Comprised of tunes both new and decades-old, the album’s spirit creates a biographical framework of Wino himself. This spirit is fleshed out with a great rhythm section in the form of Jon Blank (Rezin) & Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch, The Bakerton Group), with strong production from J. Robbins (Jawbox). An absolutely addictive listening experience that runs the gamut from bluesy grooves (1, 4) and high octane jams (2), to slow-burning dirges (5) and a handful of instrumentals (3, 6, 8).  

Best of 2009.

FCC OK .

Try 1, *2*,  3, 5, 7, 9.

01. Release Me
02. Punctuated Equilibrium
03. The Woman in the Orange Pants
04. Smilin’ Road
05. Eyes of the Flesh
06. Wild Blue Yonder
07. Secret Realm Devotion
08. Water Crane
09. Gods, Frauds, Neo-Cons and Demagogues
10. Silver Lining

Rating: