These United States
(United Interests)
It is fair to wonder if we'd have as many pseudo-freaky ‘70s throwback rock acts around today were it not for the lingering influence of Devendra Banhart and his general drift in that direction. Last I heard Devendra was even living in Laurel Canyon, perhaps attempting to become the image of free love and hippie happiness he's carrying around under his patchouli-soaked chest fur.
These United States' new record, Crimes, follows Banhart's lead, presenting a shambling rock effort that can pass for outtakes from some lost session circa 1972, perhaps from some forgotten 1960s folk rock band's final unreleased epic, the band thenceforth imploding into the same tale of drugs, sex, and mental illness that plagued so many others. Of course, the members of These United States may not have even been born by 1972, but the smell of the era is still there. It's a good smell, one that reminds equally of the greasepaint of Leon Russell's Carny and the fragrant weed of the Dead's American Beauty.
Banhart's influence is present too, of course, particularly in Jesse Elliott's lead vocals. Perhaps one might even find it derivative, but at least one reviewer, this one, doesn't seem to care. These United States have delivered a solid rock album and it's one worth buying.
Standout Tracks: "We Go Down to That Corner," "Pleasure and Pain and Pride and Me" CHRISTIAN KIEFER
