Early James’ new album, Medium Raw, produced by Dan Auerbach and recorded at Buddy Jackson’s Honky Château, stands as his most compelling work to date. The collaboration with Auerbach infuses the album with a gritty authenticity, capturing Early James’ soulful storytelling and powerful vocal delivery. The production incorporates a field recording approach, giving the album an organic, lived-in feel that enhances its emotional depth. Medium Raw delves deep into the heart of Americana, blending blues, rock, and folk influences with an unfiltered edge. A gifted lyricist in the Southern Gothic tradition, Early James weaves dark narratives that resonate with raw emotion, while blending the whimsical with the profound. His signature, sly storytelling is evident across the album’s twelve tracks, each a testament to his unyielding passion with a musical landscape that pushes boundaries. Tracks like “Steely Knives” feature haunting lines such as, “Can’t you see them eyes like steely knives / It cuts me to the bone,” showcasing Early’s ability to craft poignant, vivid imagery. In “Nothing Surprises Me Anymore,” he muses, “They say truth is stranger than fiction / Now that’s a fact,” and “I guess God’s a twisted skywriter / Chemtrails in Comic Sans,” blending wry humor with his sardonic wit. Songs such as “Tin Foil Hat” and “Go Down Swinging” echo the expressive style of Tom Waits and Marc Ribot. In addition to Early James’ musical prowess on guitar, the impressive lineup of musicians, including Jeffrey Clemens on drums, Sam Bacco on percussion, and longtime collaborator Adrian Marmolejo on bass, brings a dynamic energy to the recording, complementing his distinct voice and evocative lyrics. This album is a must-listen for fans of authentic, heart-wrenching Americana, promising a visceral listening experience that is both gripping and unforgettable.
