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TFFH09 #2: Wino, Punctuated Equilibrium

Fucking awesome.If adventure is his destiny, as doom legend Wino asserts on “Smilin’ Road” from his first-ever solo record, Punctuated Equilibrium (Southern Lord), then we’re all just lucky to be along for the ride. With songs from as far back as his days in The Obsessed in 1979, one of the genre’s most potent personalities and most seminal artists crosses creative paths with his past in bands like Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand and even Saint Vitus. Joined by Clutch drummer Jean Paul Gaster, it’s a once-in-a-decade kind of release. And I’m still fighting over whether or not it should be number one on this list, even as I type.

Despite the shadow cast over the album by the recent and untimely death of bassist Jon Blank (Rezin), the spirit of the music elicits a transcendent joy that is simply too powerful to be ignored. Even at its heaviest moments, as on the speedy title track, there is a humility and wonder in the performances bound to bring a smile to the face of anyone with ears and half a brain. Punctuated Equilibrium, with explanatory liner notes penned by Wino himself, is a special release in an amazing discography. There is only one Wino.

While I can’t imagine there are any interested parties who haven’t yet heard this record, here’s opening cut “Release Me” from Punctuated Equilibrium. One listen and you’ll be hooked.

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