Wilco’s nearly thirty year history has yielded some classic albums but it’s the band’s ability to reflect the present day in their music that has set them apart. On their 13 th album “Cousin” they offer some reflections on the world today and their inability to understand it.
“Cousin” is a quick turnaround from last year’s “Cruel Country” but it is the first time in over ten years they have worked with an outside producer. Welsh singer songwriter Cate Le Bon brings out the ensemble element of the band without overshadowing Jeff Tweedy’s songs. She sits in on keyboards and influences the telepathic nature of the band.
From the experimental opener to the tried and true to form closer, they are not repeating themselves but expanding on their signature sound. the longtime lineup of Nels Cline, Mikael Jorgensen, Glenn Kotche, John Stirratt and Pat Sansone each shine.
With songs about mass shootings, animal magnetism and self-inflicted relationship wounds Wilco, once again, weaves their way through a myriad of emotions before eventually assuring us that good wins out over evil. It’s not a new concept but on “Cousin” they make it sound that way.