Moses Guest,
Guest Motel

Label: Aufheben Records
Year: 2004

(4 out of 5)

It's been two years since Moses Guest released its critically acclaimed, self-titled double album. Now the Houston band is rewarding fans for their patience with a new studio album, Guest Motel, and a live concert DVD, Edit.

Moses Guest seamlessly blends elements of the jam band, Southern rock, and alt-country scenes. While the philosophy-heavy lyrics can sometimes wear thin, the smooth rhythm section and mellow vocals help the listener to gloss over such thin lines as You smell the fear / Of the retarded pupeteer / In his preposterous box / He's sticking by the clocks.

The blues-tinged, radio-friendly "Jackson" serves as an ideal showcase for Graham Guest's soulful lead vocals. If it's the instrumental jam you're after, you'll want to check out "Bird In My Hand." Or, if you like puzzling the meaning out of lyrics, try the mystifying "Double-Double-Double God" (Double-double-double god is here / He's eight times removed from the one / The future is really quite clear / Double-double-double god has come).

With soaring pedal steel guitar, a driving keyboard line, steady walking bass, and an infectious chorus, "Baby, Don't Take Your Love Out On Me" is the standout track and a great way to close the album. I look forward to seeing the band play a live show someday soon, because I imagine they turn this 3½-minute gem into a spirited 10-minute jam.

Whatever your favorite musical style, you're likely to find Guest Motel a worthwhile addition. And if you're a fan of extended jams, be sure to check out Edit as well. Filmed before a hometown Houston audience, Moses Guest's DVD debut features live performances of "Invictus" from Guest Motel as well as tracks from the band's previous albums.

Buy: Amazon

August 1, 2004