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Formed in 1994 as the result of an Allman Brother’s Band side project, and releasing their first recordings in 1995, Gov’t Mule is a blues-rock infused American jam band originally formed by guitarist Warren Haynes, bassist Allen Woody, and drummer Matt Abts. After Allen Woody passed away in 2000, the band was faced with the formidable task of finding a bassist to fill his spot. This void was filled by former Black Crowes member, Andy Hess from 2003 to 2008. For their 7^th studio effort, By A Thread, Haynes and Abts are joined by Jorgen Carlsson on bass and Danny Louis on keys.

Signaling the arrival of fresh recruit Jorgen, opening track Broke Down On The Brazos highlights a grinding and guttural bass backbone throughout while Haynes and guest artist Billy gibbons of ZZ Top fame converse in ferocious blues guitar.

Despite the new line up, the mule sounds tight as ever, allowing them to stretch out the jams on songs like By A Thread which don’t rely too heavily on vocal parts, but still throws a catchy hook in the mix on tracks such as Steppin’ Lightly. About 5 minutes through, the track reaches what feels like an ending, only to pause and them jump right back to the groove so the band can satisfy their appetite for swing.

Railroad Boy affirms the groups roots in southern rock while adding their distinct hard rock edge. 8 minute jam Monday Mourning Meltdown treads initially In psychedelic territory, trailing from the distorted soundscape that serves as the transition from Railroad Boy, and ramps up to a mid-tempo blues jam. Listeners receive a short breather during the thoughtful Gordon James before one again “mule-kicking” right back up to speed with unison bass and guitar licks and shrieking guitar solos from Haynes in Any Open Window .

Haynes delivers an uplifting and hopeful tone in Frozen fear. It also features a more structured layout in terms of verse and chorus and less free range blues Improvising.

Sure to be something of a gem for fans of Gov’t Mules’ live show, 9 minute monster Inside Outside Woman Blues #3 delivers on all fronts, incorporating nicely structured lyrics with the passionate testosterone driven hard rock and blues fusion the mule is known for and spotlights keyboardist Danny Louis for the first time so far on the album.

Overall, By A Thread will by no means disappoint long time fans of Gov’t Mule, or any listeners of blues-rock, despite apprehensions some may have about the addition of a new bassist.

For Listeners Of:

The Allman Brothers Band

Led Zeppelin

Top Tracks To Listen To:

Inside Outside Woman Blues #3

Frozen Fear

Monday Mourning Meltdown

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