Retribution Gospel Choir: 2
Alan Sparhawk doesn't have a reputation for writing exciting music, which makes his ascent into the exuberant rock of Retribution Gospel Choir's aptly titled second coming, 2, so remarkable. "Hide It Away" opens the album with undulating guitar and drum rolls that create a reflexive spiritual outlet. The vast and searing riffage of "Your Bird" and "'68 Comeback" are far away from the minimalist slowcore crawl of Sparhawk's band Low. But RGC isn't a complete 180 degrees. The songs are massive, but they require patience. At a glance, "Workin' Hard" takes shape like a Crazy Horse rip-off, driven instead by tasteful, roaring guitars. The misplaced arena rock swagger is tempered by the penitence of Sparhawk's writing that keeps the album grounded with a refreshingly introspective take on such rousing music. (Sub Pop) 3 out of 5 stars.
?
?
Retribution Gospel Choir
?
with Jupiter Watts. $10. 9 p.m. Sat., Feb. 6. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.
More By This Writer
11 CL staff-approved spots to pad your belly after a night of drinking Article
Sunday December 27, 2020 04:00 am EST
Best bets for a crispy-fried quick fix come last call
| more...
ATLANTA MUSIC NEWS: The Coathangers redux Article
Monday December 7, 2020 05:32 pm EST
Divisive band’s first album is reissued
| more...
ATLANTA MUSIC NEWS: Quarantine anthems Article
Monday November 9, 2020 11:32 am EST
New cuts from Lesibu Grand, 21 Savage, and Misanthropic Aggression
| more...
ATLANTA MUSIC NEWS: Catching up with Mastodon Article
Friday October 2, 2020 04:39 pm EDT
The metal behemoth gears up for heavy year to come
| more...
ATLANTA MUSIC NEWS: This list goes to 11 Article
Thursday September 3, 2020 03:40 pm EDT
An A to Z list of Atlanta music and food crossover ventures
| more...