Unkle

War Stories

[3.5/5]

Maybe we don’t really need another Radiohead. Or maybe James Lavelle-the man who would be UNKLE-set his bar one DJ Shadow collaboration too high with 1998’s atmospheric epic Psyence Fiction. Either way, it’s time to stop expecting UNKLE to unveil electronica’s OK Computer. With UNKLE’s third proper release, the outfit veer in two directions nobody foresaw: Live (using living, breathing musicians, hugely departing from 2003’s underwhelming Never, Never, Land); and west-to record with stoner-rock icon Chris Goss (Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age). The result is a strangely psychedelic, raucous rock concoction (especially on “Chemistry”) that fits neatly beside any Desert Sessions release and miles from previous Kid A contrasting. This organic indulgence is initially disconcerting, but upon closer inspection, UNKLE’s familiar, cinematic aesthetic reveals itself, noticeably on “Price You Pay” and the gorgeous, string-tinged closer “When Things Explode.” Goss’ go-to guys (UNKLE veteran Josh Homme and David Catching of Eagles Of Death Metal) appear on the requisite list of guests including Autolux, Ian Astbury and Twiggy Ramirez, but most willfully blend into the scenery of an album that-like UNKLE’s previous releases-is less about singles than a grander scheme. And while several songs are derivative (“Hold My Hand” is Moby’s “We Are All Made Of Stars”), that scheme is about evolving-and it’s time to embrace it. (SURRENDER ALL) Tim Karan

ROCKS LIKE:

Air’s 10,000 Hz Legend

Moby’s Hotel

VAST’s Music For People