Have Gun, Will Travel – Strange Chemistry

Bradenton, Florida’s Have Gun, Will Travel has become one of my all time favourite bands over the years.  Those looking for comparison will find them in their lesser known peers, like Arliss Nancy, Two Cow Garage, and New London Fire.  Their unique blend of narrative and imagery has always wisped me away from whatever daily mundanity I’m enduring and plunked me down in the midst of a unique setting.  Be it a rustic dusty western, wild movie set, or the streets of a cash strapped southern town, Have Gun, Will Travel bring it to life.  

Despite their stellar track record, the band takes a chance on their latest album, Strange Chemistry.  Spoken primarily from the first person, the songs are more thematic than narrative.  Each protagonist comes with their own triumphs and virtues, vices and faults. Coupled with a more polished alt-rock vibe that downplays the dusty road atmosphere of past outings, Strange Chemistry marks Have Gun, Will Travel’s most significant stylistic divergence to date.

The album retains frontman Matt Burke’s signature wiry vocals and targeted musicianship.  Particular standouts that transcend any sort of shifting styles include those like “Infinite Traveller,” “Any Place But Here” and “Blood on the Stage.”  “Infinite Traveller” in particular balances the right amount of swagger and intrigue. “It started with a choir of angels, turned into a murder of crows, they gathered overhead on the powerlines, waiting to feast upon the bodies below,” describes Burke during the opening lines, venturing further down the rabit hole of analaygy and interpretation with the question, “… It must have been a dream, can you tell me what it means?”  From the opening line, listeners find themselves wrapped in a blanket of deep and thought and tantalizing imagery.

While the majority of the tracks feel sonically tranquil, the lyrics always challenge listeners to grapple with themes of personal development and challenge while adding in a little instrumental shake-up.  For example, “Tidal Wave” plugs in a darker assortment of guitars, with a rumbling bass and lurching tempo. The switch-up is subtle, but the album feels more balanced for it. “Justified” stands further unique amongst the pack, containing echoes of the band’s early, stripped down folk-inspired work.  It’s a welcome inclusion that bridges the gap to present day Have Gun, Will Travel.

I’ll admit, I was a tad anxious when I heard that Have Gun, Will Travel was branching out from their stripped down selves, but they’ve made the transition with poise and finesse.  Each of the songs maintain the level of maturity and craftsmanship that fans have come to expect. Instruments like the lap steel, mandolin, trumpet and harmonica maintain their presence, but evolve their execution.  Strange Chemistry is the natural next step for the Bradenton quintet, and even stands to pull in new fans on the indie side of the spectrum.  A worthy addition to the band’s growing discography.