Blitzen Trapper - All Across This Land - Evergreen Color Vinyl Record *

Acclaimed Portland, OR quintet Blitzen Trapper has built a solid reputation as a band unafraid to take chances. By incorporating a vast array of influences, they have released albums that touch on indie folk/rock, roots, art rock, alt country, psychedelia and pop, while maintaining a sound that is distinctly their own.

Though it followed 2013's somewhat experimental VII, a futuristic hip-hop/country-rock hybrid, 2015's All Across This Land, in contrast, is a top-down, tightly defined piece of classic rock and roll, full of big riffs, bigger hooks and compelling, instantly relatable lyrics. In sound and scope it recalls two of the band's more beloved albums, 2008's breakthrough fourth effort, Furr, and 2011's landmark American Goldwing. "I think it's a return to the sort of more ‘classic' Blitzen Trapper thing, for sure," Eric Earley said.

From the opening riff of the title track and first single, this is quite evident as it unfolds into a flurry of guitars, bass and drums. The band eases back as well by featuring some of Earley's strongest writing yet, particularly on the semi-autobiographical "Mystery and Wonder." The track's reflective and nostalgic tone was inspired by the band's beginnings, the chemistry that develops over time and the music they have created though the years. Another album highlight is "Lonesome Angel" with its easy ‘70's AM radio feel.