Search - Molasses :: Trouble at Jinx Hotel

Godspeed indeed...

David M. Madden | salt lake, utah United States | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The aptly named Molasses project is ultimately the work of singer/songwriter Scott Chernoff, but what reputable Montreal act would be complete without guys like Sam Shalabi and Godspeed's Thierry Amar and Efrim Menuck?



This is the group's fourth album (and "group" here is an understatement, as the Polyphonic Spree barely outnumber them), and this time around they haven't altered the formula -- we're treated to languid, spacy compositions that incorporate elements of folk rock, psychedelia, post-rock, field recordings and even a hint of shoegazing for good measure. Tension is created through the use of low frequencies, distant drones (supposedly emulating Iraqi air-raid sirens), creeping tempos (hence, "aptly named"), Chernoff's whispered vocals and barely audible choirs, occasionally exploding into a riot (i.e. "Coda"'s bleeding amp, the everlasting GY!BE feedback on "Miss Peach's Pawnshop"). The music never really seems to reach its destination, postponing its climax until the last second or simply avoiding it altogether, then whipping it out three tracks later. Again, that's the sort of thing we've come to expect from this camp, but it's still effective, despite the lullaby quality of many of the songs (possibly echoing the tension of world affairs and the leaders who sway them?).



Maybe so. Trouble at Jinx Hotel's lyrics center around the Middle East vs. US troubles, specifically the attacks in New York. Chernoff is careful to avoid too many pointed remarks, but with titles such as "La La La, Amerika", "St. Christopher's Blues", "You Can't Win" and "Sign of Judgment", he pretty much tips his hand.



It's clear that Molasses still has something to say, particularly about peace and war, as told by a prophet on the mount. Do we really need another folk singer? As long as Chernoff has his lush sonic congregation behind him, you can baptize me into his cult any day."