The Slip - Angels Come On Time (2002)

Jam bands like Phish and Widespread Panic make music that's carefree and fun. Others like Dave Matthews and Medeski, Martin & Wood take things further with a complex rock twist. The Slip, a Boston-based trio, have qualities of the aforementioned bands, but are in a class all their own. On their third album, the self-produced Angels Come on Time, the Slip deliver a tight structure around sophisticated jam rhythms. Their musicianship is consistently clean -- guitarist/vocalist Brad Barr is an impeccable player, especially on the woozy cool "Sorry." Brother Andrew Barr (percussion) and Marc Friedman (bass) are equally impressive as they take an improvisational approach to mixing jazz, blues, and worldbeat. "(Take A) Beetle to the Badlands" and the countrified good time of "Love and Tears" blend emotional positivity and a freshness that's reminiscent of what the Dave Matthews Band did with Remember Two Things, and the Slip are slick in their presentation. Angels Come on Time reflects upon the Slip's musical growth as a band, but also as producers. They steer clear of what's commercially appealing and deliver a solid rock effort.~Angels Come on Time Review by MacKenzie Wilson