God Johnson started out as a musical project. Of course, the group’s initial claim to fame stems from it being what Jason Fladager started following his exit from The Big Wu.
On the other hand, “Fairytale” announces a mellow 70s rock vibe that’s immediate with its crisp melodies, gentle harmonies and hooks, hooks and hooks. With the majority of the tracks written by keyboardist Timothy M. Carrow, The Squirms doesn’t stray from that approach as much as it fine tunes it. Oh, being that the albums are being made and released on the GJ’s terms, jams are kept to a minimum throughout, but a live track at the end of each disc — “Waft” and “Triscuit,” each from their weekly regular gig at the Cabooze in Minneapolis reminds listeners that these musicians can stretch matters out with the best of em when the mood strikes. Then, there’s Fladager’s bluegrass stomp, “Half Past One.” Sure, its inclusion sticks out among the rock arrangements, but you kinda just go with its flow for a couple of minutes. Besides, after this brief break we’re treated to the stunning “Potter,” followed by the continued artistic arc of “Fall in Line” and the live “Waft.”
