"The Zealot Gene" : Jethro Tull's new release

The new release from Ian Anderson and Co is getting plenty of attention for being the first new Jethro Tull album since 2003. But is it really? Anderson has put out projects under his own name such as Thick as a Brick 2 and Homo Erraticus that were Tull albums in all but name.

Still, the Tull name has power and evokes a legacy of classic albums such as Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, A Passion Play, the first Thick as a Brick, and of course, classic rock radio staple Aqualung. Few rock bands operating in the progressive/hard rock zone have been as prolific or consistent as Tull since its formation in 1967.

The new disc, armed with the provocative title The Zealot Gene, may not reach the heights of those iconic LPs, but it's certainly a strong entry that finds Anderson exploring new themes and styles while still delivering an authentic Jethro Tull experience.

Advance press materials for the LP focused on the biblical themes Anderson explores in the album's lyrics, but don't expect a religious lesson. Rather, these songs use some Bible characters and themes as launching points for Anderson's unique storytelling, with "good book" references to Shoshana, Jacob and Ephesus alongside tales of the "Sad City Sisters" and "Mrs. Tibbets."

The latter song kicks off the album with some feisty playing, including a midsong proggy interlude with complex timing. While the band may not display the fire of Tull's 1970s lineups, this group nimbly navigates Anderson's musical landscapes, and it sounds like Jethro Tull. "Mine Is the Mountain" shows this band can veer from darker, subdued tones to aggressive sections within the same song.

Not all tracks are full-band songs, however. Due to COVID restrictions, Anderson approached more recent recording sessions as a one-man band; stripped-back, acoustic songs such as "Jacob's Tales" and "Where Did Saturday Go?" flow well with the one featuring the entire group, however.

Anderson is in fine voice. He doesn't sing like the 20-something Anderson of Aqualung, but at 74, his more intimate, restrained vocals on pieces such as "Shoshana Sleeping" are quietly powerful and always compelling. His trademark flute playing is as potent and inventive as ever. (Has anyone ever made the flute as cool in a rock band as Ian Anderson? I think not.)

Production is crisp and simple. Anderson's voice is front and center, but the band instruments are well-balanced in the mix, indicating that these tracks are well-suited to the 5:1 mix available on the Blu-ray version.

As always, this album is not for everyone. If you are a fan of Tull's classic albums, you should enjoy this. Fueled by Anderson's sturdy melodies and clever lyrics, and performed by a worthy iteration of the Jethro Tull name, it's a fine addition to the band's catalog.

— Howard Whitman