When i first read about Mojave3 i was intrigued to say the least as they had been consistantly slagged off for being a tiresome acoustic country band that's tunes never went anywhere. Well-i took the risk anyway and what i'd like to say to the hip young reviewers of Q and Select cannot be printed in this text. You see where it not for the fact that Mojave3 have only appeared in the last few years they would surely have been compared and even coupled with Neil Young. There brand of small town acoustics wash over you in desert drenched songs of love,loss, and of course;America. But there is so much more going on here than meets the eye immediatly. For once here is an album that can be left on all the way through without changing mood and without the listener always having to skip a track or two that don't suit the 'mood' your in. Mojave3 are a culmanation of people from groups past including a majority from The Hope Blister who were once This Mortal Coil. But don't let it put you off if you don't like either of these bands as Mojave3 are a far cry from those former musical pioneers. With suprise singles on the album like the fantastic 'Who Do You Love' and the slightly more pop-like 'Angel' the mood is soft, the style is string laden, the words are simple but perfect (with such irridescent treasures such as-"i've been looking for a love, but pretty soon i guess i'll fuck things up").
Don't let the reviewers put you off Mojave3 are purely simple acoustic riddled perfection. Neil Hasteads voice as always will either woe or annoy you, but personally i find only The Notwist more enjoyable to sing along to.
Stand out track is definetly 'caught beneath your heel'.
( If you like Mojave3 already and need more acoustic meanderings for your insatiable appetite then try out Palace, Badly Drawn Boy, and of course; Neil Young-preferably the albums...Silver and Gold and After the Gold Rush )
