What Comes After the Blues

On the heels of Magnolia Electric Co.'s recent limited edition live release, the raw and incendiary Trials and Errors, comes what is perhaps Jason Molina's most fully realized studio project yet. Recorded live-in-the-studio by Steve Albini, What Comes After the Blues captures the simpatico chemistry of Molina's touring band, crackling with connective electricity that can only be generated by the mutual experience of the road. On the writing end of the equation, the song cycle of What Comes After the Blues is a conscious step forward for Molina in songwriting approach and intent. The current incarnation of Magnolia Electric Co. is the fullest and longest-running band the former Songs: Ohia frontman has formed so far. These musicians fashion kinetic and organic underpinnings for Molina's thematic quests, with arrangements that carry a primal feel for poetic American rock. In the tradition of Bob Seger, Tom Petty, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and Ronnie VanZant.