Hmmm.. One of my all time favourite albums is the 'Optimist LP' the first album Turin Brakes served up back in 2001. Excellent guitar melodies combined with first class singing delivery and in places mesmerising lyrics. The follow ups to this debut were just as good. First up was 'Ether song' which made a mockery of the so called challenging second album syndrome where they challenged themselves to create a truly atmospheric piece. Then with 'Jackinabox' they proved they could write more accessible music that oozed quality throughout.
So when I saw this album come out, I naturally picked it straight up and purchased it. Conclusion, well I am not quite sure. I think it is ok. Not groundbreaking, didn't make me sit up and take notice and realise that they put a lot of effort into this album. It just recovers old ground we have seen before through the past albums producing tracks of similar sounding to those on 'Optimist LP' and 'Jack In A Box' but without ever really hitting the nail on the head. I think a fair branding for Dark On Fire would be it is a collection of nearly songs. Nearly made it on to the album, filler songs. It is as shame. It is not that I don't like it, I do. But it floats out of my head as soon as I have listened to it.
The version of the album I brought had the extra 'Something Out Of Nothing EP' cd included. This saved the album. It was a bit more like the stuff I was hoping for from them. 'Invisible Boy' is especially good.
So overall, if you are a big Turin Brakes fan then go for it, but don't expect anything groundbreaking. If you are fancying a try, then go for any of the previous three albums.
*** Like :- Sebadoh, Kings Of Convenience, Tom McRae ***