UNKLE

Despite his role as the driving force behind electronica studio act UNKLE, James Lavelle's collaborators have often overshadowed him in the past. Both on the debut, Psyence Fiction, co-helmed by DJ Shadow, and the follow-up Never, Never, Land, the Mo'Wax label head/producer recruited an impressive guest list, including Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Mike D of the Beastie Boys and Jarvis Cocker, which gave the impression that the magic found within might have been the result of the notable roster.

For his third record, War Stories, Lavelle enlists an equally formidable list of cohorts, such as Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Ian Astbury of The Cult and the British post-punk band The Duke Spirit. Nevertheless, Lavelle makes this cohesive album very much his own, never allowing collaborator in particular to dominate. What distinguishes War Stories, though, is its near-perfect amalgamation of electronica and rock. "Restless," featuring Homme's snarling vocals, is a rollicking, thunder-heavy dance track that lives up to the promise of its title, while "Persons & Machinery" gives the little-known shoegaze band Autolux an opportunity to guide listeners through a dreamy, atmospheric head-trip. Lavelle even makes his vocal debut on two songs, the fuzzed-out harmony of "Hold My Hand" and the frenetic pulse of "Morning Rage," which both suggest a more fiery and beefier Jesus and Mary Chain. If this is what UNKLE's war sounds like then Lavelle should have no peace.

—Arye Dworken
07.23.07

James Lavelle's UNKLE project has offered virtually everything to its fans and the listening public -- virtually everything, except for great music. UNKLE full-lengths seem primed to make a major impact on music and culture. They're packed with high concept, dense with thematic elements ripped from the headlines (especially the war in Iraq), and this time out, include an artwork-packed booklet (featuring Massive Attack's Robert del Naja, Ben Drury, and Will Bankhead). The fact that the music has never fulfilled its expectations, despite the undeniable talents of everyone involved, points to a too-many-cooks problem. War Stories finds the group, a core duo of Lavelle and Richard File, enlisting major production help from Chris Goss. Goss' work with Masters of Reality and Kyuss made the California/Arizona desert a haven for progressive metal, and its influence is all over this record. Fellow desert rat Josh Homme reprises his role from the last UNKLE full length, along with del Naja (as 3D), indie rockers Autolux, English neo-garage band the Duke Spirit, and finally, Ian Astbury (like Lavelle, another Englishman apparently fascinated with the American Southwest). Astbury's vocals on "Burn My Shadow" and "When Things Explode" make for a pair of highlights; they're one of the few points on War Stories when a hint of personality threatens to overwhelm the many tenebrous guitars and gloomy, plaintive vocals. Newcomer Gavin Clark also shines as a stand-in for Jeff Buckley, but amid the many features and incredible dynamism that mark every UNKLE full-length, there are no songs to grab onto and little of real essence. [Some editions also included a bonus disc with instrumentals.] ~ John Bush, All Music Guide