When Matt Mays dissolved his backing band El Torpedo shortly after the release of 2008's Terminal Romance, I admit I was a little bummed. That's because, after three albums of meandering roots rock and half-baked concepts that showed potential, Terminal Romance finally lived up to that potential.
The opening notes of Coyote, Mays' first album in the four years since, is unassuming and slight, with Mays singing sullenly over a distorted piano line. Then, with what I assume would be a smirk, Indio kicks in with a feel good riff and we're off and running.
If there's one thing that becomes clear about Coyote early on, it's that Mays isn't content to simply rock out. There are odd interludes and passages throughout the album that deviate from your standard roots rock rules and brings to mind the adventurous spirit Mays showed with When The Angels Make Contact. Ain't That the Truth boasts a sinister groove and a snappy electronic beat that gives his licks a modern sheen.
We've already no doubt heard first single Take It On Faith and, to Mays' credit, it's exactly the kind of song he knows he needs to have on this album to please fans who've waited four years for a new album. It's got the same easy-going riffage and anthemic hook that got him noticed outside the Maritimes, and he wears them comfortably like an old pair of jeans.
The album's midpoint lulls a bit, with ballads Loveless and Dull Knife failing to ratchet up much excitement; just the same they're not bad songs. It just doesn't serve the album so well to have those particular songs back-to-back. All is forgiven by Drop The Bombs, which brings in a dirty blues lick and a swagger that will surely get your head bobbing.
Zita is a late-album highlight, chugging along with a Stonesy groove and packing another solid hook that will sound great live. Previously released Queen of Portland Street is included as well; it's not a barnburner, but it's a nice track that's good for the completists to have in physical form. The album closes with Chase The Light, a slow acoustic number that wraps up the album in a pleasant, though sombre, fashion.
Coyote is a bit of an uneven affair, and it's not as good as Terminal Romance. But it does solidify Mays as one of Canada's most dependable songwriters; even if it doesn't earn him many new fans, it's bound to make the ones he has very happy.
Coyote is released September 4 on Sonic.
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