4. Circuital (2011)

There were two narratives put forth in the lead-up to Circuital: it’d capture their live sound, and it would be a return to form after their recent stylistic detours. The press interpreted the name as a reference to the latter; the band talked about the former. Having recorded Circuital predominantly playing in a circle together in a church gymnasium, MMJ nevertheless released an album as similarly polished as their last two — not a bad thing, but it’s strange that James has talked of seeking a more live sound with Evil Urges and Circuital when the sprawl of It Still Moves seemed to capture it perfectly in 2003.

What Circuital really feels like is the logical successor to Z that never happened, while simultaneously being a bit of a sidestep from Evil Urges. It cops some of the R&B meanderings of the latter, but situates them in shimmery psychedelic soul songs that seem born out of Z opener “Wordless Chorus” more so than the more synthetic “Touch Me, I’m Going To Scream, Pt. 1.” “The Day Is Coming,” “Outta My System,” and “Holdin’ On To Black Metal” are all highlights and cut from this cloth. “Victory Dance” is like a seductive, nasty older brother to anything on Z, swimming in similar psychedelic waters, but going deeper, darker. It continues the band’s tradition of their opening songs being amongst their best. Unfortunately, Circuital grows uneven in the second half. “First Light” is solid but by-the-numbers rock for them, while “Slow Slow Tune” and “Movin’ Away” comprise a quiet, almost boring end to a record from a band that usually goes out on some of their best tunes (See: “Dondante” on Z, “Strangulation!” on At Dawn, “I Think I’m Going To Hell” on The Tennessee Fire). It’s unfortunate that it peters out like that, but Circuital brings some very strong material into the MMJ catalogue, and promises a more consistent path after the confidence-shaking Evil Urges.