While Chris Cornell opens the album screaming “I’ve been away for too long”, others are asking, “Why did you come back?” There have been many reformations in recent years of bands from that time when undercuts and flannel shirts ruled the earth. Unlike other reunited ’90s acts like Rage Against The Machine or Faith No More, Soundgarden have wasted no time in returning to the studio as well as the stage. Faithful fans may be wetting their three-quarter pants with nervous excitement, but mostly it is uncertainty and scepticism that surrounds Soundgarden’s first new album in 16 years.
When Soundgarden split they left a solid catalogue, never sliding into the mediocrity that often plagues rock bands after the raw energy, urgency and angst has been exorcised. King Animal is a mix of trademark down-tuned fuzzed-out riffs, experimental eastern-style stirrings, drifting dynamics and unapologetic pop hooks which somehow continue Soundgarden’s evolution without missing a step.
The wealth of experience, expertise and diversity brought forth from the four members is enriched by the ear and instrumental additions of Grammy-winning producer Adam Kasper (Foo Fighters, QOTSA, Pearl Jam). King Animal is a showcase of choppy time changes, conflicting arrangements and contrasting stylistic approaches that somehow join into a working, churning flow. This jagged-edged gel can be seen in tracks like A Thousand Days Before and By Crooked Steps, which bring Soundgarden’s quirky, off-kilter creativity and sheer musicianship to the forefront. Surprisingly Live To Rise from The Avengers soundtrack was not included on the album, but catchy openers Been Away Too Long and Non-State Actor will keep the radio waves humming. Ultimately though it is chunky neck-roller Blood On The Valley Floor and later tracks like Worse Dreams and Eyelid’s Mouth where Soundgarden’s full depth is championed.
Slower songs such as Bones Of Birds, Black Saturday and Halfway There dip into Cornell’s sometimes over-indulgent solo territory and consequently King Animal is too soft in parts. Largely though, the layered guitars and rhythms are warm, dense and dirty. Cornell’s screams, while notably huskier than before, are still strikingly present. Any apprehension of tainting a legacy as strong as Soundgarden’s is in this case is utterly unjustified. King Animal feels fresh yet strangely familiar and is a fitting progression on previous albums. Long live the King!
BY JAMES RIDLEY
Best Tracks: Blood On The Valley Floor, Non-State Actor, Been Away For Too Long
If You Like These, You Will Like This: Edges Of Twilight THE TEA PARTY, Down On The Upside SOUNDGARDEN
In A Word: Comeback
