alt rock legend claude coleman jr of ween makes inspired noise on amandla’s latest ‘laughing hearts’

Though he’s more known as the drummer for alt rock mainstays Ween, it’s a damn shame Claude Coleman Jr’s solo project amandla doesn’t get the same attention. With bits of soul, post-punk, indie rock, and folk, Coleman’s work with amandla is inspired. The multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter turns in his most emotional set yet with the dynamic Laughing Hearts.

Kicking off with a blues riff that quickly morphs into an alt-psych jam, “Follow What Brings You” boasts the kind of haunting-but-driving melody that makes amandla something move. It’s no surprise that the record’s best moments tend to be when Coleman strikes a balance between his glacial melodies and bubbling rhythms. “Stay Awake” follows a distorted bass riff that would make Lou Barlow cry before turning into an angular jam. While “In A Lovesong” shades in a post-punk anthem with synth squiggles and a vibraphone.

The album closes with the heads-and-tails pair of “Forever For Always” and “I Get Around.” The former is a lush elegy that never builds but constantly deepens. The latter is a stripped down retro rocker that both undercuts and underscores the seriousness of “Forever For Always” with Coleman’s trademark leftfield humor. “Don’t fuck with my rock and roll.”

Check amandla out on tour this summer with Angelo Moore & The Brand New Step. Dates and cities will be announced soon. Check http://amandlanet.net/tourdates/ for more info.