It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land

by

Soulsavers

Edit

Well this is either all a strange coincidence or this is a bloody good album, so it's probably that last thing. I (hangs head in shame) was not aware of Soulsavers and was pointed at this album by a friend who knew my fondness for Mr. Lanegan and if you have Dust, Scraps at Midnight & Bubblegum in your collection (and if you don't shame on you) then you need to get a copy of this as well. This is without doubt the best album I've heard in a long time, bringing together different genres of music effortlessly and so interestingly that it leaves you wanting more and finding more after each listen.

I can hear shades of NIN in some of the music but it is more complete, more rewarding than anything I ever heard from Mr. Trent. And I can hear shades and echoes of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, which for me is no bad thing. But this is a significantly better album.

I absolutely love the drive, the bounce, the cool reflectiveness, the soulful mourning, the twists and turns this album makes. It has a rich weave, darkly textured, sometimes sparse, but never wanting. Soul, blues, hip hop beats all demand your attention but never overwhelm, instead pick you up and take you places that are really rather nice places to be. It's the perfect companion at 03:00 in the morning when there is only you and a bottle of vodka, and equally perfect the next morning whilst you are padding around the kitchen looking for something to line your innards with.

Every track brings something to delight about; musically, lyrically, the way different genres snuggle up to each other and effortlessly support and inspire. Worthy of note in my opinion are the backing vocals, used on many tracks not only to support Lanegan's voice, but also to add emotive tones that are just done to perfection.

Revival could well be the song of the year so far, if it were not for Kingdom of Rain, it engraved itself on me the first time I heard it, and I will always remember the first time I heard it. It is magnificent. And I wholeheartedly agree with the Johnny Cash/Hurt comparison. It is moving, dark, delicate; the musicianship, the lyrics, the backing vocals, the everything about this track is just something to behold and take joy in the fact that it is out there for people to hear. It makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck, it manifests out of the speakers, makes you sit down and take notice. This is just one of the finest records I have ever heard and is for me, the highlight of an exceptional album.