Aitor Ochoa & Mad Mule: Off The Grid
(Milana Música)
Out now
Aitor Ochoa returns with his second Mad Mule album, another record brimming with his love of Americana-infused rock.
This album feels like it has been a long, long time coming. The gestation period, the writing, the recording, the drummers that have been through the ranks in the seven years since the release of their debut have been marked by increased expectation and frustration. It has been worth the wait, though, as Ochoa once again marks himself out as a real musical craftsman. From the north of Spain, yet steeped in the tradition of Americana, his songs sit neatly in that same territory as bands like Drive-By Truckers, touches of The Jayhawks in their Smile era, an ear for melody, hooks, and power driving his songs always forward.
As a trio, they strip off the fat, getting straight to the bone of the songs right from the outset on opener Circles. Immediately, Ochoa’s vocals tread the line between doubt and confidence, reflecting the lyrics of a lost way, the desire to break out of a rut. His fretwork is immaculate, each moment punctuated perfectly as his tighter-than-tight rhythm section of Luis Ibañez on bass and Fernando Chiquito on drums give him the canvas on which to work.
There is a real dive-bar fervour in songs like So Young, one of the later highlights of the album, but there is also clearly a reflection of loss that comes through many of the songs, such as on the wonderful Last Time. Over a gentle cantering rhythm, there is a pain that comes through, a yearning for what once was. When they sit between the two sides, songs like Painted provide the band a moment to reflect on the contradictions of life, the beauty of sorrow.
It has been one hell of a wait for this return, but Ochoa and his mules have returned on a high. Any vinyl junkies will have to wait a little longer for the LP, but for now, check out one of Spain’s alt-rock jewels right below. The album brims with determination and passion, equally gritty and charming throughout.
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All words by Nathan Whittle. Find his Louder Than War archive here.
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