Fresh Squeezed: Hush Arbors

Any project stamped with the name J Mascis already has a spot on my shelves, but I have a feeling that the London-based Hush Arbors didn't really need the production skills of Mascis to impress me. Keith Wood fills the bands new album, Yankee Reality, with life and a far reaching sense of purpose. While tracks flow from blazing '90's guitar rock to complex country ballads, Wood walks all sorts of lines and stills focuses on quality lyrics. Even with a legend like Mascis at the helm this is very much Wood's album. What is most remarkable perhaps is the timeless nature of the album, and clearly compose each track is. The album, out October 6th on Ecstatic Peace!, has the potential to be considered one of the best of the year.

Mascis does in fact contribute a little more than just his knowledge and breaks out the guitar on two tracks and drums and mellotron on other tracks. His contribution is undeniable, but the beauty of this album is it connections to the roots of American music. There is a clear love for making music in every note of this album and a glowing reality that must be heard to be believed.

Listen to: The Devil Made You High (mp3) Watch the video here.