After a quarter of a century at the alt-rock coalface Canada's, Cowboy Junkies can hardly be accused of slouching. Sing In My Meadow is part three of a rapid-fire four-album project that began last year with Renmin Park, which was inspired by a trip to China, and continued with a tribute to the late Vic Chestnutt. This time they have paid tribute to themselves, releasing a studio album recorded over four intensive days in which they attempt to emulate the more volcanic elements of their live performances.
The Junkies are usually dominated by the sexy, sepulchral vocals of Margo Timmins, but from the opening track, "Continental Drift", the guitar of brother Michael Timmins takes centre stage and rarely retreats during the eight tracks, most of which clock in at the five-minute mark. The emphasis is on demonic, experimental rock with a psychedelic edge, conjuring up Miles Davis to Captain Beefheart via Nick Cave at his most incendiary and PJ Harvey at her most sulky.
And despite the skewed logic of recording a studio album to match a live experience – and let's face it, has there ever been a live album that comes anywhere near evoking the white-knuckle ride of a classic hardcore rock gig? – it sort of works. Timmins is not a particularly original guitarist but on "3rd Crusade" and "Hunted" he takes the eardrum-assaulting sonic template employed by the likes of Hendrix and The Birthday Party's Roland S Howard and truly batters it into submission.
There is maybe a little too much free jazz noodling on "It's Heavy Down Here" but if you let this album get under your skin the chances are it will stay there for some time. Let's hope that Cowboy Junkies fans have tolerant, or deaf, neighbours. This is something to be played really late and really loud.
Watch Cowboy Junkies perform "Sweet Jane"
