Frames
Brushfire, 2025
8/10
The long running jam band, ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra), treat us to 10 new songs of their fusion ways, where few genres are off limits and Steve Adams, Zach Gill, Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz and Ezra Lipp are in fine form.
The warm and rich “Blank Canvas” begins with Lebowitz’s fluid guitar alongside Lipp’s agile drumming via the soft rock nods, and “Separated, Come Together” follows with a quicker approach, where Adam’s playful bass suits the melodic gestures.
Landing in the middle, the intimate “Rescue Our Demons” benefits much from Gill’s agile keys before turning into a scrappy album highlight, while “In The End” is full of meticulous guitar work and a frisky rhythm section that’s immediately infectious.
Arriving near the end, the slight buzzing of “Simple Sentimental Dream” unfolds with a breezy and rhythmic mood, and “Friends” exits with graceful keys, heartfelt storytelling and an emotive appeal that uses all the member’s vocals.
An effort that’s never short on retro ideas, ALO also flirt with alt-pop, R&B, folk, dance and funk via their always impressive eclectic vision that’s been consistently enjoyable since 1998.
Travels well with: Sean McConnell- Skin; Lucinda Williams- Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road