Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Evolving does not mean betraying what you once were, and yet it seems for the multitude that it is an act of infidelity, of disloyalty to those that first lifted you up beyond the levels of obscurity, you have changed, grown, adapted to new thoughts and passions, however, for some you should be grateful to be at a place where you are loved for what you were, not what you can be.

It is a tale of Time, to grow and seek new ideas, is to leave behind a part of your soul which cannot be restored, but sometimes you don’t want it back, you have allowed yourself to be removed from a young, eager artist formally known as, and now you embrace a different chemistry, one that is every bit as pulsating as before, just one set down with a new essence guiding it.

It is a testament to new eras that the iconic Minneapolis band, The Jayhawks have found a place to which they can comfortably explore a time of further collaboration whilst remaining in step with what was, a difficult move to pull of at the best of times without looks of derision being aimed at your full, creative mind.

With expertise, with untold knowledge, The Jayhawks have not only succeeded in such a moment, but XOXO is deserving of being addressed as Gary Louris, Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg and Tim O’Reagan most probing and deliberating set of songs, fuelled by belief, by a certain conviction, which adds a purity to a sound which was already full of signature descants and purpose of fellowship. That sense of purpose is captured superbly in tracks such as Dogtown Days, Ruby, Society Pages, Bitter Pill and Looking Up Your Number, a line of musical sight which is glorious and filled with patient, illuminating pathos at its core.

XOXO, delivered with affection, maintained throughout by authentic meaning, The Jayhawks have grown, and taken their audience with them.

The Jayhawks’ album XOXO is out now and available via Sham/Thirty Tigers.

Ian D. Hall