Swervedriver’s second album neatly avoided the sophomore slump trap on several levels; whether the reason was a new drummer in Jez Hindmarsh or just a general creative recharge, Mezcal Head showed them in full command of their 100-mph-desert-highway-at-night sound. Having a couple of stellar singles in the form of the flowing charge of “Duel” and the shuddering quick pace of “Last Train to Satansville” certainly didn’t hurt either, the secret ingredient of Adam Franklin’s contemplative but never listless drawl in full effect there and throughout the album.

– Ned Raggett