Since Ian Anderson revitalized Jethro Tull in 2022 with the release of The Zealot Gene, marking the band’s first album of fresh material in over two decades, these legendary progressive folk-rockers have truly hit their stride. Following closely on the heels of their comeback record was RokFlote, an LP that started as an instrumental endeavor and blossomed into Jethro Tull’s 23rd studio album. This impressive return to form not only showcased the band’s enduring creativity but also set the stage for what was to come next.

Anderson quickly gathered an impressive lineup for the band’s latest project, Curious Ruminant, which is their third album of the 2020s. This new formation includes talented musicians such as bassist David Goodier, keyboardist John O’Hara, drummer Scott Hammond, and guitarist Jack Clark. Drawing on a mix of unreleased instrumental fragments along with newer compositions that Anderson began crafting soon after RokFlote was released, Jethro Tull seamlessly melds their classic sound with modern influences, creating a unique blend that honors their past while exploring new musical territories.

One intriguing aspect of this album is Anderson’s candid reflection on his life experiences as a 77-year-old musician. In the title track, he poignantly states, “I count my life in seconds passed,” offering listeners a more personal perspective than he has shared in previous works. Curious Ruminant is filled with such introspective moments, yet it also incorporates many familiar elements that fans have come to associate with a classic Jethro Tull album, ensuring a satisfying listening experience.

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Of course, no Jethro Tull album would be complete without the signature flute, which has been a defining feature since their 1968 debut, This Was. This guiding instrument shines in new tracks like “Puppet and the Puppet Master,” “Dunsinane Hill,” and “The Tipu House.” Additionally, listeners will notice a delightful return to the band’s folk roots, characterized by the inclusion of mandolin, accordion, and an abundance of acoustic guitar. More than its recent predecessors, Curious Ruminant stands out as their most organic-sounding album in years, evoking a sense of nostalgia while embracing a fresh sonic landscape.

This may well be their most fulfilling work since the 1980s. Anderson has consistently woven contemporary issues into his 16th-century musical frameworks, from the religious critiques in Aqualung to the commentary on modern politics in The Zealot Gene. While Curious Ruminant leans more towards personal reflection, Anderson’s lyrical sharpness remains intact. In the compelling track “Over Jerusalem,” he critiques societal issues, singing, “Angry gods of retribution, driving hate without solution.” In the nearly 17-minute epic “Drink From the Same Well,” he explores themes of ignorance regarding history’s shifting tides. Ultimately, as he concludes in “Curious Ruminant,” he finds solace in a more relaxed approach: “sit on the fence, enjoy the view.” This perspective is wise advice from someone who has truly earned it over his remarkable career.