Labels: DeSoto
Review by: Kunal Nandi
I love J. Robbins. If only he weren’t married. Speaking of his wife (Janet Morgan), she plays bass and sings in Channels alongside her husband, as well as Darren Zentek, drum-god ex-of Oswego and Kerosene 454, where he proved he could play restrained jazzy licks as well as bust his gut going all-out. I’m glad Robbins is still of the realisation that the triangle is the most inherently strong structure (see also: Melvins, Nirvana, High On Fire, Boilermaker), so it’s yet another power trio, all the way into the rock hall of fame.
Less conventional than Jawbox, and not as overtly twiddly as Burning Airlines, the members of Channels have contrived to create some remarkably subtle tunesmithery. It’s amazing how these songs grow on you. On the first pass, it suitably tuneful and enjoyable, but you’re spurred on to give it more spins for some reason, in order to unveil those extra layers. They’re not striving for something new, and in the process have come up with something precious and beautiful in a completely effortless manner. A lovely cover of John Cale’s “Fear Is A Man’s Best Friend”, where Robbins’ vocals, which were never totally nailed down when you think about it, come across as so heartfelt and humane. I could listen to these six tunes forever.