John Moreland - “A Thought is Just a Passing Train”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 10 

Pairs Well With… Jason Isbell, Tom Waits, Steve Earle

I had to take a break from reviewing bands for a few days because of Putin’s war against Ukraine – two of my grandparents were from there. Perhaps that is why John Moreland’s “Harder Dreams,” from his 2020 release LP5, resonated with the sadness and hopelessness of the last few days (“all the gods are watching wars on television, placing their bets and telling jokes about religion.”). Moreland’s gritty, soulful voice carries this song and the other big-themed tracks of existential loss and love on the album. While Moreland’s base is in the blues, LP5 is also noteworthy for his integration of swamp-soul, synth blurps, drum machine clicks, and ambient soundscapes to accompany and as counterpoint to the acoustic finger picking and electric guitar chords.  “A Thought is Just a Passing Train” is a good example. It starts (and continues) as a straightforward, slow blues lament until Moreland hits you with distorted vocals and guitar and percussion blips. It’s a brilliant piece of musicianship and song writing (“shame is a cancer, go easy on your heart”). Also listen to “I’m Learning How to Tell Myself the Truth,” where Moreland reminds himself to “forget all the shit I used to think I knew.”  The one outright love song, written for his wife, “When My Fever Breaks” is a respite from the darker songs on this album. But whatever the subject matter, Moreland’s voice shines through because there is a well of dignity in his vulnerability and plain-spoken reflections. Important songs for difficult times. I am sure I will enjoy Moreland’s set even as I stand in Austin and in the months to come with the people of Ukraine who do not deserve the suffering being inflicted upon them. (David Zlotnick)