Ben Harper and Relentless7 - White Lies For Dark Times

Rating:

* * * *

Few would argue Ben Harper's talents as a songwriter. His laid-back acoustic melodies and poetic lyrics have won legions of fans, those who like their music smooth and mellow.

Those who prefer things a little more rough and ready have probably avoided his particular brand of liquorice soul. But it's time to sit up and take notice, as Harper plugs in his amp and breaks it down in this delicious collection of storming blues-soaked rock 'n' roll.

Joined by Texan rockers Relentless7, the collaboration hears Harper unleash a raw funk not heard since the 1995 single

Ground on Down

, from

Fight for Your Mind

.

But where that album heard Harper mix up Sabbath-metal riffs with folk and gospel influences,

White Lies for Dark Times

swings between just two modes - searing blues and sentimental acoustics.

While the record starts with a hiss, building to the hip-swaggering roar of

Lay There

and

Hate Me

(complete with the brilliant chorus: "You gave me an eight-page letter, front and back/ Written in your favourite colours, blood and black.") Harper hasn't rid himself entirely of the sleepy sounds on which he built his career.

Skin Thin

is a beautiful, if overly sentimental romp, while

Fly One Time

also slows the record's momentum with its soft wallow.

Traditional Harper fans may appreciate these nods to his roots but they don't belong on this record, ruining the continuity and rough groove the band were wearing so well.

But when he tears it up -

Shimmer and Shine, Why Must You Always Dress in Black, Keep It Together, Boots Like These

- Harper is nothing short of superb, channelling his inner-Hendrix and rocking out like a pro. Turn it up and enjoy.

Joanna Hunkin