Old school rock fans rejoice, those bluesy swamp dwellers Jack and Meg White return from their self imposed hiatus with the release of new single ‘Icky Thump’ which will also feature on their forthcoming sixth studio album of the same name.
The track has been available as a download for a day or two and is out on CD and 7” from today. The 7” is in a gatefold sleeve with room to insert the special edition etched 7” recording ‘Rag and Bone’ that comes free with the latest issue of the NME.
The White Stripes will be headlining the O2 Wireless Festival in London on 14th June and Leeds on 15th June in support of both single and album.
They say:
Drowned in Sound: “More of a leaden thud than an icky thump.”
Gigwise: “Welcomes The White Stripes back in their typically big, bold and brash manner.”
We say:
‘Icky Thump’ is an evolution of sorts of the White Stripes sound, combining the raw Detroit guitar blasts of old with a variety of vintage weaponry, including a jittery 1946 Univox synthesizer.
It’s a rather jarring affair which threatens to spin out of control at any given moment, but Meg’s typically primal drumming just about manages to hold everything together.
The political overtones in the lyrics, meanwhile, are a welcome break from the troubled love shtick, with Jack alluding to the hypocrisy of his fellow Americans in regards to immigration matters (“White Americans, what?/Nothing better to do?/Why don’t you kick yourself out?/You’re an immigrant too”).
As far as album teasers go, though, ‘Icky Thump’ is certainly no match for White Blood Cells’ ‘Hotel Yorba’ or Elephant’s ‘Seven Nation Army’. But that’s okay. We shouldn’t expect every appetizer to be a genuine mouth watering experience.
Like this? Try these:
Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song
The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
RELEASED
Out now
LABEL
XI
POSTED...
Mon 11 Jun 2007 at 8:06pm
