Retribution Gospel Choir

(Caldo Verde)

When Low’s Alan Sparhawk and Red House Painters/Sun Kil Moon guru Mark Kozelek formed the Retribution Gospel Choir in 2005, it seemed mostly an outlet for the slo-core pioneers to rock swelling guitar anthems that would ring incongruous in their primary projects. With Kozelek receding to a production role for the Choir’s eponymous debut, the remaining trio, including Low bassist Matt Livingston, seems little more than an amped-up alternative and extension of Low’s The Great Destroyer. Rehashing “Take Your Time” and “Breaker” from Low’s 2007 Drums and Guns, the latter, especially, supplants the mellow drone of the original with some Crazy Horse. The sludgy guitars of opener “They Knew You Well” balance 1990s alt-rock with the Sonic Youth melodic fuzz and psychedelic jam of “Somebody’s Someone,” while “What She Turned Into” and “For Her Blood” pump pure power-pop. Although somewhat gratuitous, Sparhawk levies Retribution with a welcome force. (Thursday, March 13, Central Presbyterian Church, 11pm.)

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This article appears in March 14 • 2008.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.