ALBUM REVIEW: Masters of Reality - The Archer

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2009 was the last studio release by this seminal band, whose debut album in 1989 is rightly regarded as a classic and still gets regular airtime in this house. With Chris Goss the only original member, the elusive genius now brings the band back to life once more with their latest album, The Archer. 

Masters of Reality has always driven their own course. Rightly credited as a major influence on the desert rock scene, the band’s canvas was spread much wider. The Archer comprises nine tracks that span just under 40-minutes, making it an easily digestible record but not one that diverts from the quality that Goss has always crafted. Here he’s in fine form, the sprawling songs take their own shape and form, nothing rushed and much mellowness as the bluesy vibes cascade across the songs. Barstow, which sits in the middle of the album is a perfect example. A sleepy gentile track that oozes relaxed quality, it’s nonetheless a fine example of the laidback approach which makes this album a must. 

The musicianship is splendid, the guitar work carving out deliciously blues, whilst Goss’s drawl is ideal for such measured tunes. The album is bookended by the title track, which sets the tone in a relaxed, semi-Americana style, and Bible Head, which has a funk bass line and reggae guitar alongside some brass programming to elevate it. All the time, Goss is evidently following his own path once more, and The Archer is an album that charms and captivates from start to finish. It’s been a long time since new music from the band, which also features guitarist Alain Johannes, drummer John Leamy, and bassist Paul Powell, but in a world where originality is often absent, The Archer represents something rather exciting. 

Goss is coming at it head on. “The challenge of creating the dynamic range of the new music is a bit daunting at the moment because we haven’t done these songs live yet. But I believe once we’re in rehearsals with a bit of sweat, we’ll have a blast. A weird, sometimes melancholic blast but that’s what the blues is, Laughing at both the devil and our own human folly at the same time”.

The Archer is released via Mascot Records on 28th March 
Review by Hutch







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