Review Summary: Eclectic yet centered
Unless you want to make some kind of technicality for the Bakers Dozen tracks released through 2022, House Of Mirrors is All Them Witches’ first proper album since 2020’s Nothing As The Ideal. The lineup has also seen a couple shakeups in that six-year timeframe as keyboardist Allan Van Cleave is back on board and a drummer change sees Christian Powers joining the quartet. But in light of the considerations at play, it’s also a good reminder that their blues rock has always been flexible.
With ten tracks spread over forty-three minutes, it’s fair to say that the previous album’s leaner approach is utilized even more here along with a full dynamic spectrum. The guitars remain the primary driving factor, making for some heavy sequences that the pounding drums are always ready to indulge, while the vocals put in their steady croons and the keyboards supply a satisfying array of organs and piano. It speaks well to their chemistry when such tension and release-driven songwriting is still able to sound immense across such compact structures.
It helps that just about every song brings its own flavor to the proceedings. The opening “Red Rocking Chair” is one of the best ways to summarize what All Them Witches goes for, nodding to their influences by covering an old blues standard but showing their own power through that doomy as hell crunch. “Aethernet” and “Hold Up, Say What?” are a fun back to back contrast as the former serves up some Americana folk while the latter’s fuzzed out speeds almost crash into garage punk territory. “Starting Line” hits an emotional slow burn ala Free circa Heartbreaker, “Turn On The Light” gradually unleashes its distortion through a series of strutting chugs, and “Angel On The Wayside” romps about with playful melodies.
While All Them Witches has had enough going on to keep their name out there, things do feel nicely centered on House Of Mirrors. It reconciles Nothing As The Ideal’s snappy pacing and the eclecticism seen on the Bakers Dozen sessions, resulting in tight yet distinct songs anchored by the band’s undeterred chemistry. I’m not sure if it’s the best introduction for a new listener but I remain impressed by their ability to maintain such a quality run.
