New Folk Implosion

New Folk Implosion

Sebadoh might have been one of the defining bands of the indie-rock revolution, but it seems Lou Barlow's side project the Folk Implosion was built to last. <I>The New Folk Implosion</I>, despite its name, provides a fine example of what Barlow has always done best: soulful rock music that captures the poetic shyness and sense of inadequacy of its maker. Barlow's lo-fi edge mellowed into a loose sonic adventurousness long ago. Here, ex-Sebadoh drummer Russell Pollard's rhythms are occasionally augmented by fluid loops. There's nothing as immediately hooky as "Natural One," the group's unlikely hit from Larry Clark's controversial teen movie <I>Kids</I>. But those still mourning the passing of Sebadoh ought to find what they're looking for in the windswept "Releast," "Creature of Salt," and "Pearl." <I>--Louis Pattison</I>