Music that ages like fine wine

English rock band James just don’t quit. Eight members strong and ready for a whole new vibe, their 15th studio album, Living In Extraordinary Times, is a clear reminder that they are as relevant to the new age listener than ever. The band, who got their start in the ’80s, made grunge, alternative rock what it is today. With hits like “Come Home,” “Sit Down,” “She’s A Star” and “Laid,” the band is taking this opportunity to show their fans that their music will last a lifetime. Just two years after the release of their chart-topping album Girl at the End of the World, Living In Extraordinary Times explores issues of all ages with an aggressive and triumphant feel.

The album comes out of the gates, guns blazing with an explosion of sound in “Hank.” The song not only gets the listener’s attention but could make a few long-time fans turn their head in confusion towards the new sound. The album goes through twists and turns of old and new with tracks like “Leviathan.” The piano-heavy track sends waves of nostalgia from your brain to your toes. “Heads” leads more of an electronic, dance-floor beats vibe where “Many Faces” and “How Hard The Day” bring the listener down a notch with their soothing melodies and whimsical and folk sound.

Still moving in waves, the album turns to a track titled “Extraordinary Times” which seems to be the most lyrically challenging track on the album with lines like, “F*ck you / I want to f*ck you / Until we break through / Into other dimensions.” The album turns the sound up on tracks “Better Than That” and “What’s It All About” that combine the greatest parts of old and new rock ‘n’ roll.

Any band with a 36-year-old career full of highlights wouldn’t usually take the time to mix-up how they sound in year 37. A band willing to put it all on the line and make music that rings right in their ears and hope for the best with their fans is a band worth listening to. An album full of insight on the world, engulfed in new sounds and old, Living In Extraordinary Times might just be a contender for their best album to date.