The Twilight Sad : "It's the Long Goodbye"

If there is any justice in the world, the 6th album from this Scottish band will find them getting the recognition they deserve. They have toured with the Cure multiple times, but also had some hardships in their daily lives, which led to their bass player and drummer being replaced with Arab Strap's drummer and Mogwai's bass player. Vocalist James Graham's distinct voice is centerstage, with guitarist Andy MacFarlane providing the needed backdrop. Graham's voice is as emotive and fluid as ever as he swings up into his falsetto on "Designed to Lose."  

This record has a more rock n roll mix, with a rawer guitar tone and not as much space for the vocals to fill. It is much clsoer to their live sound. The vocal lines are as catchy as any of their work, which makes for an engaging listen. Their dynamics are always emotionally powerful; this album is no exception. No wonder Robert Smith loves they are always consistent. Robert Smith adds guitars to "Waiting for the Phone Call". There is more of an electronic pulse to this. It rocks out pretty hard for post-punk coming out of the chorus.  I had to listen to "Ceiling Underground' three times to wrap my head around it for some reason. The vocals kind of fade, and it works off a similar formula as what they normally do, so not sure why there was a disconnect before it clicked, but it did. Think I just needed something more solid in mind before I commited an opinion to review. It's actually darker after closer listening. 

Robert Smith plays synths on "Dead Flowers" which finds them heading into the Cure-like sounds. Since Smith plays on it, they can have all the similarities to the Cure they want, but James ' voice sets them apart as their own identity. He's singing something about 'water off a duck's back, ' and it works as he always puts his voice in the best places. There is a more 80s feel to the guitar tone of "Inhosptiable/ Hospital." It's a pretty catchy song depsite it's bleak nature. In fact, it's one of the album's best songs. Oddly upbeat considering the subject matter.

There are some cool guitar tones on "Chestwound to the Chest". The verses are more strummed, with James singing out with his urgent plea that marks their earlier work. It has a little more rock drive to it. Robert Smith plays a 6-string bass on " Back to Fourteen."  Here, some of the lyrics become more entwined in mystery rather than the more introspective outbursts. James has said many of the lyrics deal with mental health struggles, so I can only guess this song is included in that. The last song finds the vocals opening the song at the back of the mix, and things slowly come more into focus. It's more experimental, but still possesses the urgency they are so adept at conveying.  I will give this album a 10. In some ways, it is more experimental and raw, but it holds up well against their legacy. Drops  March 26th. 

pst83