Axxess & Ace

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Songs: Ohia’s Jason Molina operates much like Palace Brothers’ Will Oldham, recording with a revolving door of musicians and giving his supporting cast as little information beforehand as possible — and then capturing the results direct to tape. This unadorned production technique guarantees no two performances are ever alike and that tension often fills the air as no one is exactly sure where the song will take them. Molina begins with simple, hypnotic chords and builds to cathartic heights from there. “Love Leaves Its Abusers” is a frightening anthem. “Love and Work” adds some welcomed textured keyboards as the song builds to a heartfelt chorus. His guestlist of musicians grows with Edith Frost adding backup vocals and other Chicagoans adding their textures (Julie Liu of Rex, Michael Krassner of Boxhead Ensemble). But in the end, no matter how they compliment tunes, the core remains: Molina’s achy, shaky conscience and heart adding a passionate edge to tunes such as “Captain Badass,” “Come Back to Your Man” and “How To Be Perfect Men.”

via Apple Music