Relix Review: Blood of Man
Oct 12, 2009
Mason Jennings
Blood of Man
BRUSHFIRE RECORDS
Mason Jennings may be Jack Johnson’s perennial partner in touring, but that doesn’t mean that this slightly lesser known Twin Cities-based singer/songwriter can’t hold his own— which is clearly evidenced by his devoted fan base. On his latest effort, Blood of Man, Jennings’ signature brand of rootsy, folk-pop takes a darker and more electric turn with introspective lyrics and classic rock feel. The falsetto- laden rock stomper “Ain’t No Friend of Mine” has a Jimi Hendrix-meets-White Stripes retro slither that with muffled, gravely vocals and a bluesy swagger sounds like it could be a lost Black Keys B-side. “The Field” is a sentimental stunner with quavering tambourines and a lonesome guitar strum that conjures long-lost memories of love amidst the languid haze of summer.
Hayley Elisabeth Kaufman