Forty Elephant Gang - Next Time Round (2021) Hi-Res

When it comes to hitting it right out of the stadium, Forty Elephant Gang do it with incredible style on Next Time Round. “Songs of Praise” grabs you by the collar and simply won’t let go. Opening with acoustic guitar and a catchy refrain, “I got an open mind Lord, I got an open mind,” the song just keeps building, making the most of each moment. Though some aren’t necessarily pretty as evidenced through lyrics declaring, “But I’m gonna need that sign, Lord/ I’m gonna need that sign/ Give me something good and strong.” Finally, they reach the point where the song’s imbued with a Beatle-ish break ala “I Am the Walrus.” One is simply entranced by the ability of Forty Elephant Gang to go wherever they desire. It’s an audacious beginning to say the least.

Andrew White, Sean Mannion and James Bachmann have been around for a while now, but nothing really prepares you for a something like “Songs of Praise.” Everything else seems to pale a bit in comparison, yet there is much to appreciate on Next Time Round. Mandolin and slide guitar combine with cello and accordion creating spectacular sonic blendings. Like putting on an old shoe that fits perfectly, the mandolin on “Strange Things” offers a sense of comfort befitting this love song.

Tinged with sadness, “Young Man’s Game” has a chorus that makes the claim, “Don’t lie to me/ Help me believe /’Cause I know that I’ll see you again.” Yet one gets the feeling that certainty may be just a bit lacking. The fiddle plays with a sense of sadness during “Light on Water.” The staccato opening of “Jealousy” reflects mistrust at the heart of a man betrayed by a faithless lover. Even the mandolin, an instrument that seems more suited to joyous moments bows to the dire nature of the song.

The mandolin and guitar may be bright and cheery, yet “Better Man” seems to make it clear that appearances can be deceiving. Especially when the song opens, “If you’re laughing at me/ Then I guess you heard the news/ Of the sorry state I’m in.” The song just goes to show how wrong we can be about things. The viola on “Sweet Marie” establishes a tone of sadness hidden in the heart of a singer, “Sing your sweet song my Marie/ Your shy and angelic voice is just slightly off key.” The young men want to steal her away, yet in the end, the song’s singer has her heart.

Perhaps it’s harsh to say that an album’s first track is too good. Certainly, that is the case with Forty Elephant Gang’s Next Time Round. This is an album brimming with great tracks, yet the strength of “Songs of Praise” tends to pale everything else by comparison. It’s almost unfair to lead off the album with the track. If that is the worst you can say about Next Time Round, you need to remember how really special Forty Elephant Gang really are today.