“We all got to live together” goes the hook on “Dreaming Out Loud,” a soul-filled track about halfway through “Peace…..Like A River,” and the irony that it’s one of the more collaborative ones on the record, given that Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster are on it, isn’t lost. Even more than that, though, it’s the brotherhood that binds these tracks together.
“Same As It Ever Was” delivers lyrics that point out the world has always been what you choose to make it, but let’s face it, no one comes to Gov’t Mule just for the lyrics. The guitar and organ work on this track are sublime, captivating the listener from the first note. And what’s the very thing to shake us out of our slumber? The Rev. Billy knows! Billy Gibbons does his thing, injecting his signature sound into the mix on “Shake Our Way Out”.
“Made My Peace” takes a more laid-back approach, content with its message that there’s no place to hide when the reckoning comes. There’s a West Coast vibe to the track, but being Gov’t Mule, they venture off on about 57 tangents, exploring various musical territories. The grooves they find on songs like “Peace I Need” are anchored by the bass of new member Kevin Scott, creating a solid foundation for Warren Haynes’ vocals. “I’m a man of constant confusion,” sings Haynes, and this track feels like the light in the dark, even if it takes a psychedelic turn.
“Your Only Friend” tells a heart-breaking tale of destruction, and the acoustic tinge to the track is simply gorgeous. “Head Full Of Thunder” carries the classic US sound reminiscent of bands like Grand Funk. Billy Bob Thornton gives a breathless, quasi “Revolution Will Be Televised” performance on the reggae-flavoured “The River Only Flows One Way.” However, in many ways, that track and others like “After The Storm” belong just as much to Danny Louis, who stuns with his keys and horn work.
Celisse produces a glorious cameo on “Just Across The River,” adding a touch of elegance to the song. Maybe the grass really is greener on the other side, but this album exists for the downtrodden, speaking to the struggles and hardships they face.
“Long Time Coming” looks back at the post-pandemic world, but does so timelessly, capturing the essence of resilience and hope. “Gone Too Long” is an epic-sounding southern rock-tinged masterpiece. “Home and security never meant much to me,” sings Haynes, and perhaps it’s the ballad of the itinerant troubadour.
“Please don’t let me stay,” he also asks, as if reminding himself of this inner need. When combined with a band of this skill, it makes “Peace ….Like A River” a mighty thing.
Rating 8.5/10
