Category:
Rock

Try if you like:
Lambchop, Nick Drake, Rufus Wainwright

It has been a while since we've seen a Tindersticks album. 5 years to be precise. In the interim Stuart Staples relocated to France, released two solo albums and built his own studio. The Hungry Saw marks a change for the North American market as well. It is out on Constellation with deluxe packaging for the CD as well as 180g LP. They are beautiful. The album is out on 4AD in the rest of the world though. 

Onto the material though. Tindersticks albums have always seemed very personal and The Hungry Saw is no exception to that rule. The music is always gentle and caressing, ebbing and flowing ever so carefully not wanting to break anything. If you've never heard Staples singing then think of Nick Cave fronting the Kronos Quartet and you may be able to visualize. They've been tagged as neo-soul. That might help you grasp at what you are getting into here.

The one track that just sent shivers up my spine was "The Other Side Of The World". It seemed to take you on a lovely round the world trip in 4 minutes. Things get a little rowdier on the title track, slightly more rambunctious. I still love when Tindersticks get all moody, such as "Mother Dear": very quiet but oh so effective. Stuart's vocals work best when given little accompaniment.

The Hungry Saw is a logical progression for The Tindersticks from their previous effort. And it is progression. I really liked the album and it makes me want to look into some of their older material once again.