Back In Blue: Jack White Takes No breaks From Nonstop Rocking

For someone with such a carved-out niche, it is easy to see how Jack White stays as consistent and releases as often as he does. Whereas all the White Stripes’ albums bear a red streak, Jack White’s album covers are almost entirely blue, this single release being no different. Little self-imposed restrictions like this are foundational to White’s writing and producing style.

If you know anything about his external endeavors, you know that he is an extremely creative and innovative figure in the recording scene. Third man records and its many services offered to both music fans and creatives is the pillar of this creativity rather than a wealth-funded side project.

For many legendary musicians, it is often their longevity that makes them qualified to be inductees, Jack certainly fits in that regard. Additionally, what they do beyond their albums is often a major determining factor. As much as the White Stripes may have crashed and burned due to relational issues, Jack himself has risen out and, in fact become perhaps more of a legend than the band ever was.

Not to overly praise any one individual, but there is simply much good to be said about Jack White and his current endeavors. Despite this seemingly overexerted creative reach (he indeed has his hands in many places), he is still crafting excellent songs and continues to push the boundaries of the rock genre. The previously mentioned self-imposed restrictions are likely playing into the expansive sonic landscape he is able to share with us.

Two songs were released on April 3 rd : ‘G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs’ and ‘Derecho Demonico’. None overstay their welcome but certainly feel a lot longer than the three-and-a-half-minute runtime they occupy. Both cover a lot of ground and have plenty to show for including some new creative sounds and song structures.

‘G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs’ starts off with a simple standard blues rock chugging before a sung-spoken verse comes in, much like ‘Archbishop Harold Holmes’ from White’s latest LP ‘No Name’ (probably my favorite track off the album). But we’re here for all the new stuff: the solos akin to the common jazz structure of trading solo slots between rehashes of melodic choruses is a brilliant addition to this track. The solos themselves have a very off-kilter, avant-garde, frequent pauses, and reverse reverb quality to them. This track is definitely worth a listen for that aspect alone. However, it is also simply a catchy rock tune.

‘Derecho Demonico,’ while more straightforward and riff-focused than the previous track, features what is essentially a microtonal solo between chorus and verse. In actuality, I believe it is simply an extremely bent playing style, but the notation combined with the unique screeching tone makes for an interesting listen, equally unique as the ‘G.O.D.’ solos. The organ solo alone might have made this track amazing, but much more is offered here.

Further cementing himself as one of the greatest guitarists, Jack White’s latest features incredible runs and solos while maintaining a rather easy-listening blues-rock front. Fans can hope that the release of these two tracks signals a soon-to-come album release, but more to come on that.

Be sure to listen to the new single here, and check out White’s Instagram to stay on top of all the many projects he is involved in. Thanks for reading!