Rock artist Jack White has paved the way for the scene for years, starting with his success in The White Stripes, his experimental work with The Dead Weather, and his solo work. The release of his first solo album since the 2012 Blunderbuss was highly anticipated.
The vastly different Boarding House Reach LP by Jack White is non-traditional and not for everyone, but this is what makes White such a strong artist. However, with this newest venture, it is definitely a more polarizing addition to his discography. It is a very experimental piece of music – switching from the rock he is familiar for (“Over and Over and Over”) to purely electronic/synthesizer-heavy tracks (“Hypermisophoniac”).
As much as White breaks the rules with his music, this newest collection of tracks shows some interesting selections. Anticipated track “Ice Station Zebra” shows White rapping over a guitar/drum beat that proves to be a slick addition to the album. High energy tracks like this will definitely prove to be very lively come touring time.
Boarding House Reach definitely breaches genres outside of the traditional rock ‘n roll sound that White has mastered. With some spoken word tracks making appearances at some rather random points during Boarding (“Ezmerelda Steals the Show”), it can either be seen as a misstep or carefully added track to the different blend of genres layered in this LP. Boarding House Reach is a newer step for the former White Stripes performer, but one word to truly define the complexities of sounds and thought-provoking pieces on this record would be: experimental.
One of the most experimental synth-heavy tracks on the album, “Get in the Mind Shaft” experiments with both jazz and electronic sounds to make this heavy track much more impactful. However, arguably, the standout proves to be “What’s Done is Done,” a track that could borderline between a bluesy track that gets a bit spiritual. It is definitely a sharp contrast to the other tracks in this album, but one could say none of the tracks really fit with each other.
While songs that break the traditional mold such as this can prove to be successful, there are others on the album which attempt, but do not hit the mark. “Everything You’ve Ever Learned” is a digitized cluster of sounds and White spoken monologue that never truly synchronizes. It is provoking and trying to raise a message that never truly makes the impact it is aiming for.
Equally mind-blowing and puzzling, this newest addition to White’s discography is not going to sit well with every listener. But this is part of what makes him a stellar musician. He provides the messages needed with a sound that is always evolving and defying the musical norm. After all, this is the trademark of a living legend.
White will be on the Boarding House Reach arena tour starting with the sold out hometown Detroit on April 19. You can purchase tickets to catch one of the dates here.
Boarding House Reach is available for purchase and streaming on all major distributors. Check out the music video for “Over + Over + Over” below.
