The band's third record follows the nuanced compositional flair of
The Sleeper
(2009) and
Into the Murky Water
(2011), and boasts a robust production to balance their shambling charm. Recorded at Ray Davies's Konk studio, it contains nostalgic flourishes on songs such as
Tearing the Arches Down
, with its wobbly synths, and the hazy
Sober Scent of Prayer
.
Fight for Everyone
is upbeat pop,
All I Have Seen
has lush piano and rattling drums.
Everyone Understands
is
Beirut
in a big band context,and
Life Is a Cabriolet
has elements of Belle & Sebastian.But it's on the likes of
Forever Shall We Wait
, a rockabilly sea shanty, and the rich
We Go Together
that Nick Hemming really finds his voice, marrying narrative flair with musical beauty. They're a reminder of why he worked so well with film director Shane Meadows (a previous bandmember) on
A Room for Romeo Brass
and
Dead Man's Shoes
.
Download:
Fight for Everyone, We Go Together