reax music magazine :: music + culture » Reviews » Bob Mould - District Line

Just based on punk rock street cred alone (as a member of seminal heavyweight Husker Du), Mould gets 2 patented “REAX's” for his newest release. The album itself is half and half. If you’re listening for his trademark layer upon layer of thick guitars and vocals ala Mould’s ‘90s band Sugar, you won’t find it. But that’s certainly no detriment. There is a familiar pop slant to the album (with standouts like “The Silence Between Us” and “Very Temporary”). It does veer towards the uncomfortable with dance a track (“Shelter Me”) which fans of his previous efforts will find hard to swallow. But die-hard Mould followers will take it in stride as part of his recent attempts to branch out into new territory. The remaining tracks are good, but seem to lack the sheen and heart of previous efforts. Overall, I can’t turn completely on Mould, so I’ll just pat him on the back. – Susie Ulrey