ALBUM REVIEW: Brant Bjork, "Mankind Woman"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 14/09/2018

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

The new album is an experience and should be taken in as a whole. It’s an album that flows, jumps, and jives. It’s what Brant wants to do. It’s the Brant we know. It’s the Brant we love. Long story short, this album is a fine extension to his varied discography.

“Mankind Woman” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Chocolatize

2. Lazy Wizards

3. Charlie Gin

4. Mankind Woman

5. Pisces

6. Swagger & Sway

7. Somebody

8. Pretty Hairy

9. Brand New Old Times

10. 1968

11. Nation Of Indica

The Review:

Brant's a cool dude. That's a fact, Jack. Be it his cool blues of 'Saved by Magic,' or the cool drummer-dude-from-Kyuss-on-a-solo-trip with 'Jalamanta,' all the way to the cool-guy-on-a-couch vibe of 'Local Angel.' No matter which album you pick up, one thing’s for certain; Brant'scool. Always has been. And if his new album, 'Mankind Woman' is anything to go by, Brant will remain cool.

This time out, Brant's joined by Bubba DuPree on the songwriting credits. You know Bubba as the guitarist on Brant's last 2 albums. Branthas also opened the studio door for his 'special guest' Sean Wheeler, who steps behind the mic on 2 tracks. By opening up this release to the influences of his friends, Brant is also opening up his mind to a new songwriting approach.

Don't fret, Brant's box riffs and blues solos are still here. The 60’s and 70’s are still very much at the forefront. As is Brant’s desert home. It’s just that this time out, Brant’sgiven his riffs even more room to breathe. This is found in his slow, almost reggae like approach to how he performs these songs. And it’s also abundant in the album's production. The space creates a much more open atmosphere this time out. Certainly in comparison to his 3 album run over at Napalm Records. With this approach, Brantbrings the listener directly to the studio. Don’t be shy. Come on in, the door's open!

Given that riffs have more space to breathe, so do the songs. The general pace on this album is slower but no less ripe for some good time live jamming. Yeah, there's a scorcher here and there, but for the most part, Brant has cooled down considerably and is playing it cool. And that's cool by me.

There's no sense cherry picking songs for this review. The new album is an experience and should be taken in as a whole. It’s an album that flows, jumps, and jives. It’s what Brantwants to do. It’s the Brant we know. It’s the Brant we love. Long story short, this album is a fine extension to his varied discography.

So if it's cool you're looking for, dig in to 'Mankind Woman.' The world's tense enough as it is nowadays, certainly for Brantas an American artist, so why not give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the things you love. Be it your partner, your weed or your rock and roll, there's something on this new Brant album that'll help you put things into perspective. Just be cool and let it happen.

“Mankind Woman” is available here

Band info: Facebook|| Bandcamp