The Mule storms back after a three year break between studio albums to put forth a strong effort on By A Thread. It is a lot like the band itself – hard to classify. This project also introduces a new bass player in Jorgen Carlsson, who joined the band in late 2008, replacing the versatile Andy Hess. The band once again set up camp at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales studio on the outskirts of Austin, Texas for By A Thread.

                “Broke Down on the Brazos” is the first track and has that old school ZZ Top feel, courtesy of Billy Gibbons himself sitting in on guitar. The breakdown in the middle brings the song’s momentum to a halt, but by the end you are stuck in the middle of two Les Pauls growling at each other from the hands of Gibbons and Warren Haynes. “Railroad Boy” is a traditional folk song, but in this case it is arranged like only Gov’t Mule can, powerful rock with sweet jamming. Haynes uses a 12 string electric guitar and comes out with some weird and eclectic sounds. Drummer Matt Abts drives the piece with some tension from counterpart Carlsson in the rhythm section.

                The biggest curveball from the gang is “Monday Mourning Meltdown.,” but is a perfect one. This had to be recorded in the late night/early morning because of its eerie and murky sound, no make that feel. It has a jazzy break in the middle and even has backwards, spinning guitar towards the end. “Gordon James” and “Frozen Fear” are disappointing fillers that need to stay with Warren Haynes’ solo setlists. But between those is “Any Open Window,” a Hendrix-esque vibe that is pure Rock and Roll (they dedicate this one in the liner notes to the memory of Buddy Miles and Mitch Mitchell). Danny Louis lays down some very nice organ and plays rhythm guitar.

                “Inside Outside Woman Blues #3” is one of the top highlights of the disc. This Haynes penned original showcases powerful blues riffs and soulful vocals. After first listen of this song, the initial thing that came to mind was how he sounded like a wise ole bluesman preaching his craft.  One can only wonder what kind of musical heroics happens after the jam fades out.

                An interesting note to close the disc is that Andy Hess plays bass on the last two songs, “Scenes From A Troubled Mind” and “World Wake Up.” They were recorded and mastered while he was still a member of the band. “Scenes From A Troubled Mind” has a different feel but is dynamic. For the first two verses it has a slow tempo that moves with Haynes raw slide guitar and harmonizing vocals with Danny Louis. Then out of nowhere it takes a Zeppelin-like jump where Matt Abts connects with Hess’ patented snake-like groove and they take the song to another level.

                Overall Jorgen Carlsson makes a solid debut. He has some thunderous sounds and is very aggressive, aspects that Gov’t Mule was built upon. On the whole, By A Thread is not their best work but is definitely something to have in the collection. I will be anxious to hear some of these songs played live on tour. Clearly they will be stretched, bent, and morphed into classics.  As with each other album by the Mule, the quartet tries some new approaches and different productions, but you can always tell it’s that Gov’t Mule sound.

Peace

Joe

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