On the sleeve of Souljacker, singer / composer E looks like an old neglected bachelor with beard, wrapped in a worn-out coat. Would he sound even more introverted, penetrating and contemplative on this album than on the first three? That doesn't seem to be the case. Souljacker sounds more exciting and varied than Eels has ever sounded. Responsible for this is perhaps producer John Parish who deals
… with various acts such as PJ Harvey, 16 Horsepower, Goldfrapp and our own Bettie Serveert. The tone of the album is sometimes heavily turned on (That's Not really Funny), only to sound light-footed and melancholic on the next track (Fresh Feeling). Souljacker thus always navigates between two extremes, from exciting and exciting (Souljacker Part 1) to still and quiet (Friendly Ghost). It seems that E is overcoming his grief and depression over the death of his sister and his mother (the common thread on the previous albums), leaving room for new things. This results in a varied album, with personal favorites Bus Stop Boxer and Woman Driving Man Sleeping. (BP)more