Brute.: Co-Balt : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

There's always potential for disaster when you take someone as idiosyncratic as Vic Chesnutt and match him up with a band as well-versed in standard music conventions as Widespread Panic, because square pegs don't often make it through round holes. Recorded over three days with overdubs and vocals later, Cobalt is the second team-up for these Athens, Georgia musicians, and pegs fit just right. Chesnutt sounds surprisingly upbeat -- even as his lyrics bespeak his quick-witted fatalism. The band never overpowers, adding perfect touches throughout. Chesnutt's warped vocal delivery doesn't guarantee success with background harmonies, but here he plays Neil Young to the band's CSN. Melodies leap forth ("Expiration Day" is impossible not to hum). "You're With Me Now" shuffles like an old-time barroom stomper. "Scholarship" sparks up with strong classic rock guitar leads. They might want to consider making this more than a casual relationship.

ROB O'CONNOR
(April 9, 2002)