Malkmus: Mirror Traffic, a Return to Spontaneous Rock

Stephen Malkmus' latest offering, Mirror Traffic, embraces a relaxed and spontaneous feel reminiscent of his earlier musical endeavors. The album, produced by Beck, marks a departure from the polished perfectionism that can accompany artistic maturity, instead celebrating a first-draft immediacy.

Despite an initial inclination to title the album 'L.A. Guns,' Malkmus largely refrains from excessive guitar heroics. When employed, such as on "Forever 28" or the riff from "Stick Figures in Love," the theatrics are deployed with greater effect. Most tracks stay under five minutes, offering a less claustrophobic listening experience than recent Jicks records.

Songs on Mirror Traffic veer into unexpected territory, from Go! Team-esque codas to abrupt tempo changes. Even brief instrumentals like "Jumblegloss" contribute to the album's refreshing spontaneity. The production by Beck is notably unobtrusive, serving to enhance Malkmus' distinctive quirks rather than impose a heavy hand.

Malkmus, now an established figure in indie rock, isn't prioritizing a direct recreation of past glories. Mirror Traffic achieves a delicate balance, tapping into a sense of playful nostalgia without sacrificing maturity, ultimately defining a "playfully relaxed" sound.