Fans of Greg Dulli (ex-Afghan Whigs, Twilight Singers) and Mark Lanegan (ex-Screaming Trees, Twilight Singers, Mark Lanegan Band, *breathes*, QOTSA, etc) have been drooling in anticipation for this long-awaited collaborative release, and as one of those fans, I can safely say it lives up to expectations and then some. It's a joy to sit back and absorb the dark, brooding, bluesy atmosphere that this record projects; as always Lanegan's rusty baritone sends chills right to the bone in a way that only his voice can.
Highlights include the moody but upbeat 'Idle Hands' which sees Dulli and Lanegan sing in unison over swooshing strings and ploughing guitars, a stark constrast to gentler songs such as 'Seven Stories Underground' where Lanegan uses a lighter vocal tone we haven't heard in a while. The stunning 'Bete Noire' brings a bluesy style and harmonies, and 'I Was In Love With You' has a dark feel despite it's simple melody and Beatles feel to the accompaniment (impossible to miss), and is as close as you're going to get to a love song.
Whilst Lanegan's voice is always the object of much praise, 'Circle the Fringes' is where Dulli really comes into his element. It begins with a swirling synth and string intro which then breaks into a catchy as hell bass line, followed by Dulli's sultry vocals. The chorus is hauntingly beautiful, and Lanegan's entry into the song towards the end builds intensity, before it is stripped back down again.
This truly is a stunning album, with no weak tracks in sight. Dulli and Lanegan really are a match made in heaven. Or perhaps hell is more appropriate?
What next?More by The Gutter Twins? More reviews? More rock?