Sebadoh might have been one of the defining bands of the indie-rock revolution, but it seems Lou Barlow's side project the Folk Implosion was built to last. The New Folk Implosion, despite its name, provides a fine example... more » of what Barlow has always done best: soulful rock music that captures the poetic shyness and sense of inadequacy of its maker. Barlow's lo-fi edge mellowed into a loose sonic adventurousness long ago. Here, ex-Sebadoh drummer Russell Pollard's rhythms are occasionally augmented by fluid loops. There's nothing as immediately hooky as "Natural One," the group's unlikely hit from Larry Clark's controversial teen movie Kids. But those still mourning the passing of Sebadoh ought to find what they're looking for in the windswept "Releast," "Creature of Salt," and "Pearl." --Louis Pattison« less
Sebadoh might have been one of the defining bands of the indie-rock revolution, but it seems Lou Barlow's side project the Folk Implosion was built to last. The New Folk Implosion, despite its name, provides a fine example of what Barlow has always done best: soulful rock music that captures the poetic shyness and sense of inadequacy of its maker. Barlow's lo-fi edge mellowed into a loose sonic adventurousness long ago. Here, ex-Sebadoh drummer Russell Pollard's rhythms are occasionally augmented by fluid loops. There's nothing as immediately hooky as "Natural One," the group's unlikely hit from Larry Clark's controversial teen movie Kids. But those still mourning the passing of Sebadoh ought to find what they're looking for in the windswept "Releast," "Creature of Salt," and "Pearl." --Louis Pattison
"I am so confused as to why fans of a band or artist balk at any sigh of growth, especially when they are supposed to be "indie" fans. Indie fans aren't supposed to want to pigeon hole an artist. Lou continues to show his expansion of his themes in both Sebadoh and IF and that should be a good thing not something everyone runs from. This CD is one of the most cohesive works Loobie has done. The song writing is impeccable. The tunes get deep inside you. They are haunting, beautiful and dark. Please expand your horizon along with Lou and stick by everything he does. He is one of our best!!!!"
Lou's best studio work yet
Jay Wilson | Milford, NH United States | 03/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First off, I am biased. Anything Lou releases with whatever other musicians is my favorite music. The New Folk Implosion contains two member of Alaska! (album='emotions') and both CDs contain some of the best true rock songs of the year. On the not-rock side, "Pearl" is another of Lou's best songs ever. The evolution from the home recording on loobiecore.com, to when I saw it played live, to the CD version is wonderful. By far the best SOUNDING Lou Barlow related album ever. And yes, in a way it is a mix of the best aspects of Sebadoh's rockin and FI's quirky brand of electronic arrangements. This CD has reminded me that straight rock music is alive and can still be interesting."
Classic Lou Barlow
Tony | Canberra, ACT Australia | 05/23/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another classic album by Lou Barlow. I have been a Sebadoh and Folk Implosion fan for a number of years and what draws me to the music is that you do not expect a consistent sound from one album to the next. There is always a degree of experimentation and the result is always fresh. Stand out tracks are Fuse, Releast and Easy. I found it hard at first to listen to this version of Easy after listening to the loobiecore version, but this song rates up there with Sorry and Nightmare which is worth the price of the CD alone."
Missing something
Doug Leach | Kansas City | 03/08/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"For anyone who liked the other Folk Implosion albums, this one is missing something. The album is still good, and despite only having 9 songs, is still fairly long. But the songs aren't as catchy, and there is a fairly low amount of backing vocals since John Davis left. This one is more for the core audience, which is really all they have anyway. If you are reading this, you should get the album."