Masters Of Reality are one of those almost mythical bands—like Tool, for example—that most people wouldn’t know, but those who do, absolutely know.
All of which means that “The Archer” has arrived with a real sense of anticipation. Their first album in 16 years, it’s as quirky and brilliant as they’ve always been.
It opens with the title track: swirling, understated, and somehow menacing, as you wait for it to slip into a gear it never does. Think Screaming Trees, way back in the day.
“Had A Dream” is more certain of itself and its groove, offering the line, “I had a dream about music.” You can bet they did.
“Chicken Little” lurks with a jazz-like air—think Nick Cave—as Chris Goss murmurs, “I wish we had a song to sing.”
And as if to prove you should always expect the unexpected with the Masters, the solo comes out of nowhere.
There’s always an uneasy air to this album. The brilliant “Mr Tap And Go” seems to hide its secrets just beneath the surface.
There’s a kind of Doors-like flavour to “Barstow,” and the way it opens out means it becomes a highlight.
The more you listen, the better it gets. “Sugar,” for example, gradually embeds itself, creeping up on you with repeated plays.
“Powder Man”—with its harmonies—feels more contented, perhaps, but there’s still a sense that something is lurking in the shadows.
Much of this plays like a soundtrack to a film running in Goss’ head. Even by that standard, “It All Comes Back To You” is particularly widescreen. That said, you’d never call it Technicolor. This is always, always a film noir.
All of which makes the downright swagger of the closing track, “Bible Head,” something of a surprise. Positively jaunty, its hat tipped to the side—but then it hits with: “Close my eyes to crushing hate, rape and pillage, masturbate.” Because, well, this is Masters Of Reality.
Speaking about the album, the main man said: “The Archer is whoever one perceives as their invisible ruler of fate. Often, the archer is very visible to those who pay attention. Maybe some even think he is the dictatorial god. Or even a conjured entity. But all can agree that the archer has impeccable skill at hitting the target.”
There’s one other thing we can agree on: although it might take a while to fully reveal itself, my goodness. “The Archer” hits the bullseye.
Rating: 9/10
