Jeff Tweedy – Twilight Override

      As a member of the art-rock band Wilco, Jeff Tweedy has been a significant figure in alternative rock for the last 30 years. He returns now with his fifth solo album and first since 2020, titled ‘Twilight Override’. This project is his largest yet, boasting 30 tracks across a triple LP. It reflects his ambitious response to feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world. Approaching sixty, he demonstrates that he still has much to express outside of Wilco, offering a vast and eclectic collection of music. Each of the three discs exceeds 35 minutes, creating an undeniably epic experience.

      The title track sets the tone for what’s ahead; it is sprawling and chaotic yet possesses an addictive quality. This album leans more on acoustic sounds than Wilco’s work while still offering a diverse range, with Tweedy's vocals impressively holding strong. "Caught Up in the Past" is introspective and narrates a compelling story about the pitfalls of being too anchored in the past. "Parking Lot" takes on a more spoken word style, reminiscent of Zach Bryan or early Beck; it diverges from his usual style, aligning well with the ambitious nature of this project.

      Although it leans more acoustic than Wilco, the album is still rich in variety. "Love is For Love" showcases beautiful flamenco-style guitar work in its latter half. In contrast, "Mirror" carries a darker vibe, evoking some of St. Vincent’s more recent sounds, particularly in its guitar tone. "Secret Door" stands out as a highlight of the first album, being simple yet enchanting, featuring soundscapes that invite listeners to get lost in them.

      The album certainly leans more towards indie folk compared to some of Wilco’s output. "KC Rain (No Wonder)" is centered around guitar and Tweedy’s vocals, transitioning from acoustic to electric midway through with a stunning solo. "Out In The Dark" exudes energy, complemented by backing vocals, showcasing Tweedy at his best. The middle album of the three presents more variety and feels more upbeat.

      The aptly titled "Lou Reed Was My Babysitter" serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late avant-garde artist and Velvet Underground frontman. Tweedy has mentioned that ‘Loaded’ was a formative album for him and has recently covered "Who Loves the Sun?". In this track, Reed's influence is clearly felt. Lou Reed’s legacy continues to resonate through Tweedy’s work.

      The third and final part of this triple LP features shorter tracks, such as the psychedelic "Amar Bharati," which lasts just over two minutes, and "Wedding Cake" at one minute and fifty-one seconds. Remarkably, each section possesses its own unique vibe and flavor while cohesively fitting together into an intriguing whole.

      ‘Twilight Override’ may be sprawling, but true to Jeff Tweedy's style, it remains enigmatic and challenging to categorize, rewarding listeners with multiple plays and reflections. For such a prolific artist, Tweedy continues to produce work that enhances his reputation as a songwriter and performer. Despite the extensive 30 tracks, there are seldom dull moments across the three LPs. Fans of Wilco and Tweedy are sure to embrace this offering, which conveys a sense of urgency and intent throughout rather than feeling disposable.

      8/10

      Words: Chris Connor