A sort of surprise release, this new EP from Wilco is a treat. Continuing the vibes from 2023's Cousin, the obliquely-named Hot Sun Cool Shroud finds Jeff Tweedy and crew pursuing music at once sleek and supple, while pushing the boundaries of their sound a tiny bit. That's thanks to the presence again of Cate LeBon.
Cate LeBon's production was a large part of why I liked Cousin, and her production and instrumentatl contributions to "Hot Sun" here are signficant. This one rocks, and Wilco use it to create a tune that's got a throwback charm to it. Think Eighties New Wave filtered through an early Nineties lens. Elsewhere, "Annihilation" creaks and churns forward, a hint of Tom Petty here in the driving rhythms and modest vocals. Guitar squalls here and on the brief "Livid" -- the product of Tweedy, or Nels Cline or Patrick Sansone -- are glorious. Still, for all that noise, the best song on Hot Sun Cool Shroud is a ballad.
"Say You Love Me", the aching closer, is one of the best tracks Wilco have unleashed in ages. Atop a faintly glam-y progression -- think "Lady Stardust" -- the comosition builds from a muted start to a brighter, bigger chorus. It's a great tune, and the presence of this one earns this surprise, stopgap release a strong purchase recommendation from me.
Hot Sun Cool Shroud by Wilco is out now. Details below, or at WilcoWorld.net.
[Photo: Akash Wadhwani]