Carl Broemel: “Sleepy Lagoon”

Photo by Roderick Trestrail

When I first saw My Morning Jacket at ACL Fest 2004, I was struck by just how awesome guitarists Jim James and Carl Broemel sound together. There wasn’t a lot of showboating. Instead, the two synced up like dancers, pirouetting through Thin Lizzy harmonies and Pink Floyd atmosphere as if it was the most natural combination in the world.

Having not one but two exceptional guitarists has turned My Morning Jacket into one of the best live bands around, but Broemel shows off a new side for 4th Of July, his third solo album. Here, the fireworks are more muted, textural instead of fleet-fingered explosions. “Sleepy Lagoon” is aptly-named, a dreamy slow dance that melts together folk, soul, and electronic touches. It’s fitting that Broemel’s liquid gold lead guitar is the thing that keeps getting stuck in my head.

“Sleepy Lagoon” appears on 4th Of July, out now via Stocks In Asia/Thirty Tigers. Unfortunately, Broemel cancelled his September 21 Cactus Cafe show; ticket buyers will be automatically refunded.

–Art Levy // host, Sundays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX

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