Bob Mould

District Line

[3.5/5]

It’s interesting that six years after Bob Mould released his electronica-laden Modulate-which seemed to polarize fans with its first digitally-generated note-the marketing material promoting his newest affair, District Line, clearly signposts promises of plenty of guitars. Fortunately, as District Line finds Mould recording with not only his Fender in the foreground, but also with a full band backing him for the first time in a decade. In addition, District Line features an experienced cast (Mould’s greatest ensemble since Sugar), which includes Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty and Verbow’s Jason Narducy on bass. Regretfully, Mould couldn’t steer entirely clear from the synths and computer trickery, but there are plenty of stellar guitar-rock cuts, including “Very Temporary,” “Return To Dust” and the Copper Blue-esque “The Silence Between Us.” The classic Mould you’ve sought is (mostly) back. (ANTI) Waleed Rashidi