Mark Oliver Everett, or E to his friends and fans, surprised us all last time around with the decidedly cheery 'Daisies Of The Galaxy' bursting out from the shadows of the previous dark, doom laden and deeply personal 'Electro Shock Blues'. At first glance this latest album, with track titles such as 'World Of Shit' and 'That's Not Really Funny', seems as though he's slipped back down into the mire.
Add to that the fact that its name derives from a term the American press used to refer to a notorious serial killer who claimed to steal the souls of his victims and, well it hardly sounds as though it's the sort of thing you'd play to lighten the mood at a girl guides jamboree.
Yet once you slip this on and realise that it's not entirely easy listening it is yet again decidedly upbeat and improves greatly on their previous work. Taking in influences from all over the place and piecing them together in a highly coherent and cohesive fashion 'Souljacker' manages to give Beck a run for his money using the past to progress. Stealing samples and breaks from yesteryear to underpin E's deadpan delivery and introspective lyrics the Eels manage to create a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Opener 'Dog Faced Boy' chugs along with the filthiest guitar riff of the year and a groove that the aforementioned Mr. Hansen would give his eye teeth for. 'Fresh Feeling' features some superb summery strings and a mood so light it sounds as though its been whipped a thousand times and won't ruin your appetite.
Elsewhere the slight acoustic melancholy of 'Woman Driving, Man Sleeping' is a joy to behold, while the low down dirty Hammond groove (yes that word again) of Teenage Witch features E trying out a touch of falsetto action to great effect.
Eclectic, electric and at times rather hectic 'Souljacker' is without doubt the Eels finest release to date. Just be careful if they weren't your thing before, this time round they may well steal your soul.
