If you're looking for a change of direction or a soirée into the realm of UK grime, then turn away now. Since the demise of indie favourites Pavement, Malkmus has consistently ploughed the avant garde and this, his fourth since going solo, is no exception.
Unlike his previous album 'Face The Truth', The Jicks are more than just a live backing band. Present here are guitar whig outs that are reminiscent of Zappa, and sprawling psychedelic jams. Also present is the powerhouse drumming of Janet Weiss (formerly of Sleater Kinney and Quasi). The first hint of her contribution to '..Trash' comes on the second track 'Hopscotch Willie', which is one of the stand out tracks.
With Malkmus now settled down and with two kids you wouldn't blame him for putting on the pipe and slippers, and departing into the realm of maturity. However from the off you know that hasn't happened. Instead, the album kicks off with 'Dragonfly Pie', featuring one of the heaviest riffs I've heard emanating from the Malkmus axe.
Many have termed this Malkmus' solo version of 'Wowee Zowee'. This is true in that it takes a while for it to grow, however where 'Wowee..' wandered way of the map this just explores all its corners. Gone is the obsession with The Fall, a fact that may disappoint some Pavement nostalgists, and ever more present is an obsession with acid rock, freak outs and long meandering tunes. Least not the title track, which clocks in at over 10 minutes and degenerates into a magical mess of space rock before emerging on the other side as a cosmic country collage. Likewise, 'Baltimore' begins as the Jicks version of Dylan's Isis, takes off into outer space, returns to straight ahead rollicking rock before again departing on a trip to Mars.
A return to form with the aid of a now cohesive and powerful backing band to realise his visions. On one hand; wonderful news for all Malkmus fans but on the other; bad news for those holding out for a Pavement reunion in 2009.
Top Tracks: 'Hopscotch Willie', ‘Baltimore’.
Released 03/03/08 on Domino Records