The Balky Mule

Despite Sam Jones doing time in such notable acts as Flying Saucer Attack, Crescent and Minotaur Shock, this UK expat's solo project, the Balky Mule, is hardly something to get excited about. In fact, your life would probably be just fine without ever hearing The Length of the Rail, Jones's first Balky Mule release in over eight years. It's not because the record is outright bad but because it's the type of MOR electro-acoustic "bedroom recording" that delivers little excitement sonically, lyrically or emotionally. Its blend of blip-bleep and folk-y traditionalism is hardly novel, the arrangements feel hastily assembled and the hooks, well, there aren't any. On top of this, you have Jones's out-of-tune voice, which shows a real lack in the variety department. Occasionally, the Balky Mule stumbles on a half-decent tune but not often enough to warrant giving The Length of the Rail repeated spins.