Sweet Oblivion
Mark Lanegan's voice is the first good reason to spend time with Sweet Oblivion. Rough, low and slightly worn, it gives even the most direct songs a sense that something has already gone wrong. The second reason is the band behind him. Screaming Trees make heavy guitar music with a surprisingly generous supply of melody.
Shadow of the Season opens with real purpose, its thick guitars and steady movement giving Lanegan a strong setting. Nearly Lost You follows with a much more immediate hook. The riff has a bounce to it, and the chorus lifts the song without turning the vocal into something cheerful. That tension works beautifully: the band sound energetic while the singer seems to be carrying something heavier.
Dollar Bill is the song that makes the full range clearer. The acoustic and electric guitars give it a warmer sound, and Lanegan can make a simple line feel deeply tired without overselling the emotion. There is a straightforward tenderness here that suits him just as well as the louder material. You don't need an especially complicated arrangement when the voice has this much character.
Gary Lee Conner's guitar work gives the album much of its colour. The heavier passages keep one foot in older hard rock, while the more psychedelic details stop everything feeling square and predictable. Butterfly is another strong example of how easily this group can put a memorable song inside a substantial guitar sound. Julie Paradise gives the closing stretch a heavier, more expansive finish.
Sweet Oblivion is easy to enjoy without knowing anything about the Seattle scene. It has a clear band sound, but that sound contains enough warmth and movement to avoid becoming oppressive. The roughness comes from the performances rather than a need to make every moment ugly.
Nearly Lost You may be the familiar title, but the surrounding songs make a much stronger impression than a collection built around one hit. Lanegan is a distinctive singer, and this is a band that knows how to make the most of him. Good hooks, strong guitars and a little wear around the edges. A very effective combination.
