"Who needs armor when I have an exoskeleton?" Philly singer, songwriter, guitar master, TWOD co-founder and general rock & roll zaddy Kurt Vile returns with his seventh solo record. Kurt's full-length collabs with Steve Gunn and Courtney Barnett have been getting a lot of play at Lab HQ, and while there's a certain playful charm conjured by the genuine camaraderie in his duets, Vile's songwriting is only that much more potent when he's given room to spread out on his own. The record features contributions from Kim Gordon (acoustic guitar on “Mutinies”), harpist Mary Lattimore (Ghostly), Cass McCombs, Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa and Lucius’ Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, but it's 100% Vile's show; narrating a hectic touring life as well as 'the love and responsibility he has toward those he leaves at home and those he meets along the way'. Also, I love the fact that Kurt is rocking one of the free Planet Fitness joints on the old Van Morrison-type cover (with ringwear!). This indie-exclusive double vinyl pressing is limited to 5,000 copies on light blue colored vinyl with printed inner sleeves containing photos and full album lyrics.

• indie exclusive light blue colored vinyl
• double vinyl pressing
• gatefold jacket
• printed inner sleeves
• limited edition of 5,000
• music label: Matador Records 2018

reviewed by Sarakaya Komzin 09/2018