2.5/5 stars
For a band that prides itself on the mixed heritage of its members, Immigrant Union show off a remarkably limited repertoire of sounds on Anyway. I’m reminded of that classic Blues Brothers scene where the bartender informs Messrs Blues that he’s got both kinds of music; country and Western. Immigrant Union aren’t stuck in the same binaries as Bob’s Country Bunker, but they are in danger of making a bunch of songs that sound very similar.
Easing us in with the dreamy jangle-pop of ‘Shameless’, the band crafts melodies that tinkle in the background of a light rhythmic guitar. Soothing vocal harmonies drift over the top with lyrics reminiscent of an idyllic childhood. It’s a fantastic lead-in, and leaves you feeling fuzzy like a warm day in the sun. Everything afterwards is hit-and-miss. The album is filled with lush arrangements, but few of these alternative country songs are interesting enough to warrant as more than background music. ‘War Is Peace’ kicks off with its foot-stomping chorus line and banjo breakdown, but it’s too little too late.
The Good Ol’ Boys this is not, but the dashes of brilliance in Anyway don’t distinguish the album. It’s suited to dusty whisky bars, but make sure you have a lot of whisky.
Immigrant Union’sAnywayis out Independently.
