This album may well split Turin Brakes’ audience right down the middle. Long-standing fans will love the darkness and rootsiness on offer. Those who love their melodies uncurdled by bitterness and menace, alternately, may well be scared off. The first thing that strikes one about this set is just how dark it is. Song titles like ‘Stalker’ give off a real air of menace. The material is very personal by nature. There’s real pain at the heart of these songs. They also understand the importance of a good lead-in track. ‘Dark On Fire opens on an absolute belter. ‘Last Chance’ is full of excitement, anger and venom. Each song has its own distinct identity and blends perfectly with its disc mates, to give a real sense of unity.
The album is both angry and sad in equal measure. Where they go next will be interesting to see.
