Empire Builders

HMV CHOICE
Sep/Oct 2004
Jason Ringenberg has never been afraid to push the boundaries of alt.country. With this, his fourth solo album, the former Jason & The Scorchers frontman has returned with his most mature collection of country-rock songs to date.

As often is the case with Ringenberg, diversity is the order of the day. Although Gram Parsons-esque country traditions ring strongly through every track, the influences come from far and wide. The powerful opener 'American Question' has all the ingredients of a country hit but also manages to sound like the Velvet Underground, while pop sensibilities and compelling social comment sit side by side on 'Rebel Flag in Germany'.

Ringenbergs last album 'A Day At The Farm With Farmer Jason', was a collection of songs for children. 'Empire Builders' on the other hand, is a wonderfully stark, heartfealt and challenging record that takes a good hard look at 21st-century America and it's music.

Andrew Davis