Wilco, a Chicago-based band that ranges from alternative country to indie rock, has just released their 13th studio album Cousin. Wilco’s influence is hard to quantify, they’ve spread many seeds across indie rock. Bands such as Fleet Foxes, Fruit Bats and My Morning Jacket list them as inspirations for their music. After nearly 20 years together this album is a genuine shift for the band as they give up some control over their recording process. Wilco extended an invitation to pop experimentalist Cate Le Bon to oversee the recording sessions and join them on keyboards. The music they created is not uncharacteristic of the band, but it is on the more experimental side, it’s a sharp sonic turn from Cruel Country.

“Infinite Surprise” is a whirlwind of electric guitars and synths with bursts of static and noise to open up the album. It’s a song made up of warped and eerie electronics.

“Ten Dead” is a song with a seemingly carefree piano melody, but it carries a weighty message. The lyrics are about counting up the casualties and denouncing the normalization of mass shootings. It’s difficult not to become more weary than outraged when confronted with news of yet another tragedy.

“Levee” carries a little bit of that old-school Wilco jangle, the lyrics wrestle with both depression and its cure. I love to take my meds/ Like my doctor said / But I worry / If I shouldn’t instead.

“Evicted’: This song reminisces on another form of sadness in the since of longing, heartache, and self-reflection of in the context a past relationship. They acknowledge their ability to take jokes and maintain a sense of humor, but they also feel the weight of emotional turmoil. 

“Sunlight Ends”: I’m sure we’ve all been a victim of unrequited love. It’s unclear if that’s the story here, but this song conveys a sense of fascination and attraction toward someone (or something) that is enigmatic and elusive.

“A Bowl and A Pudding” begins as the warmest-sounding tune on Cousin, with its opening acoustic tones, but the song itself is characterized by icy detachment.

“Cousin”: the title track conveys a sense of complexity and ambiguity in a relationship. They express a desire for something but there’s a sense of hesitation and internal conflict in their emotions.

“Pittsburgh”: We find another song with themes of self-doubt and introspection. Once again facing life’s challenges and their own fears and insecurities. But there’s a desire for transformation and self-expression in the obstacles and uncertainties they face. 

“Soldier Child”: The lyrics express happiness when reuniting with someone they’ve missed. They highlight the desire for connection and intimacy, overcoming challenges, and finding comfort in being together again.

“Meant To Be” follows similar a scene of longing and anticipation. They express hope that someday in the future, they will be reunited and reconnected with the one they love. I won’t even make a scene / That will be just like a dream / Cash is gonna flow down by the old mainstream.

Cousin represents a remarkable collective effort by Wilco, where the diverse instruments seamlessly blend to create a cohesive musical experience. While some listeners might miss the unconventional and electrifying guitar solos typically delivered by Nels Cline (who, in this instance, demonstrates a more restrained but highly skilled performance), this album serves as a testament to the extraordinary synergy that can develop among band members who have persevered together over nearly two decades. With their long-standing collaboration, these musicians have mastered the art of elevating the overall quality of their music beyond their individual contributions. Unlike some of their previous work, Wilco doesn’t fully unleash their rock potential on this album. It’s unlikely that any of these tracks will immediately become fan favorites at live shows. However, when viewed as a meticulously crafted piece aimed at evoking a particular mood, Cousin emerges as a potent and emotionally resonant work. It once again underscores the band’s remarkable versatility and their ability to excel when guided by the right creative direction. They’re an eclectic indie rock collective that touches on many eras and genres.

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