While I had heard of Tindersticks in the past, I did not realize the act had been around for nearing on twenty years. It is thus no surprise that their latest effort, “The Hungry Sawâ€, showcases a maturity and deftness with each composition that will stick with listeners long after the band packs up shop. While there may be a few members gone (and the resulting Tindersticks turned into a trio), the fullness of tracks such as “Yesterday’s Tomorrow†and “Come Feel The Sun†are unsurpassed.
While it seems that a number of indie and alternative bands are channeling the folk movement of the sixties and seventies, the Tindersticks flip the script and marry a much older sound (the fifties) with their own unique style. “Boobar Come Back To Me†is a perfect example of this, creating a very sorrowful, contemplative sound that is more haunting than anything, casting a grandfather’s style in an entirely new light. “The Other Side of the World†steps the game of the instrumental and vocal side of Tindersticks up; the track creaks and groans as both parts try to get the upper hand, creating something compelling that is decidedly more than the component pieces.
“Turns We Took†is one of the disc’s best tracks, as it seems to be a transitory type of composition that, while continuing the trends and feelings established by the band throughout the rest of “The Hungry Sawâ€, seems to portend some interesting developments for any subsequent releases that the band may proffer in the years to come. There may still be a decent chunk of 2008 left, but I would have to say that “The Hungry Saw†is an album that should be seriously looked at as a contender for best album of the year.
Top Tracks: Organist Entertains, Mother Dear
Rating: 8.7/10
Tindersticks – The Hungry Saw / 2008 Beggars Banquet / 12 Tracks / http://www.tindersticks.co.uk