Review: Acid Rain And Sugar Cane by Wagons

Acid Rain And Sugar Cane is Wagons’ sixth album, and one which has seen the most eventful period between it and its predecessor. Henry Wagons, the band’s frontman and namesake, released a ‘solo’ album in 2013 brimming with lovelorn duets and has been plying his wares along the rolling highways and well worn musical trails of America.

The time abroad has clearly rubbed off on Henry, as he’s bought big 70s rock swagger, stomping Soul, and a fresh dose of Nashville twang and heartland heartache back with him. He obviously enjoyed being back in the blokey band setup, as the record sure has a lot of muscle and boozy mischief ”whiskey from the top of the shelf” no less; and the gals within are longed for and lamented, not sung with or serenaded.

The six-piece band is obviously highly attuned and taut from their years of familiarity, meeting any detour down badlands back roads thrown at them. The sounds made even more powerful with most tracks harnessed from the band playing live together in the studio. This is a really big record in ambition, sound and impact.

Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/ Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds) on the controls brings a touch of dark grandeur amid the swagger and Henry’s deep, ploughing voice is something to behold as it careens through genres and fills booming choruses. While the album is quite terrific heard through the ubiquitous white earbuds, when let loose over the airwaves, blared over bitumen or late night liquored up and loud, it is something to behold. God knows it will be absolutely monumental live too.

Acid Rain And Sugar Cane is out now via Spunk Records.

Key track: ‘Why Do You Always Cry’