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Amazon.co.uk Review
Acoustic music has become a bit of a byword for fey folkies singing the sort of slight pastoral tales that sound like they might blow away in a stiff wind, but on Dark on Fire, Turin Brakes-–the South London duo of Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian-–confirm once again that they do this unplugged thing with rather more gumption. Turin Brakes’ trade is rugged duets with the gruff vocal muscle of a Paul Weller or Kelly Jones and a heavy lyrical slant towards nature, celestial bodies and manly matters of the heart (it takes a blokeish sort of band to call the most emotional song on their album "Something in My Eye"). While it’s true that twin acoustic guitars remain at the heart of Turin Brakes’ sound, much here is fleshed out with added instrumentation: "Last Chance" gradually builds on a tide of synthesiser and tumbling piano, while "Stalker", with its driving bass and shimmering guitar licks, has something of the gothic 80s sound to it. It’s an inflated sound, however, that is careful not to overwhelm Dark on Fire’s more intimate modes of communication; take the moment on "Other Side" where the instruments suddenly drop away and emotions are suddenly laid bare: "I wanna be an old man," they sing, "With a suntan and a watering can". –-Louis Pattison
Review
Disappointing is the verdict on this fourth album from south London duo Turin Brakes, at least for anyone who was a fan of their early, contemporary-folk sound. What is left here might have a fuller, more lite-rock sound, but it lacks the gut kicking brilliance of their Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut, The Optimist LP.
Dark On Fire is not without its good points. Olly Knights is in fine voice again, with the rawness that he does best occasionally shining through. But, unfortunately, large parts of the album will sound musically predictable, even to the most ardent fan.
Summing up the problem here is 'Stalker', which as the name suggests, is not about the most pleasant of subjects, but the tone of the music and the delivery of the words mean all trace of menace is absent. Disappointing, in essence.
The exception is title track, 'Dark On Fire' which sounds both mournful and hopeful at the same time. They've used strings to emphasise, not overshadow, the acoustic sound, and the chorus showcases the band's hallmark vocal harmonies. It is a sound that doesn't need much added to it to give it an epic, haunting sound.
But all of that promise and atmosphere is wasted as soon as 'Real Life' starts. Do yourself a favour and press the skip button.
While not reaching the heights of 'Dark On Fire', album opener 'Last Chance' is upbeat, punchy and pacy, not something you would have managed being written about a Turin Brakes song a few years back, with a fantastic guitar line from Gale Paridjanian. 'Bye Pod' (lovely little banjo-sounding refrain) and 'Here Comes The Moon' (you really don't hear enough xylophones these days) also have their strong points, while closer 'New Star' leaves you feeling more positive as the album draws to a close.
So while there is more scale, more ambition and a fuller sound to their latest album, you can't help but feel that they haven't managed to build on their early promise. In moving forward, the feeling is they have left something vital behind. --Helen Groom
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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 ***
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 ***
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I totally disagree with the previous review - this album is brilliant. Better than JackInABox and on a par with the first two. Last Chance, Dark On Fire and For The Fire are standout tracks. Shame Stalker was the lead single - it doesn't represent the quality within.
Yes, the sound is less accoustic, but the beauty is still there.
I'm still surprised that more people aren't buying their records.
Turin Brakes continue to be a cut above the rest.
Yes, the sound is less accoustic, but the beauty is still there.
I'm still surprised that more people aren't buying their records.
Turin Brakes continue to be a cut above the rest.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Outstanding album, reflecting the more rock side of Turin Brakes typical live performance. A natural progression, without losing their distinctive sound.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
On fire!
I've always been a huge fan of Turin Brakes, but somehow managed to miss this album. It wasn't until I saw them live last year and they played a couple of the tracks from it that I... Read more
Published 9 months ago by El-Vino
Turin Breaks have lost thier way
I loved the early TB stuff, all atmosphere and really different, the first two albums are fantastic, the next and this one are a real let down. Read more
Published 22 months ago by C. Imrie
Not As Good As The Optimist, but still better than Coldplay
Turin Brakes are one of many bands who have hit the headlines with a Mercury nominated debut album, but have slipped from the limelight. Read more
Published on 5 Feb 2010 by A. Marczak
Flickering in the dark
After the sunnier aspirations of JackInABox, Dark on Fire signals a return to deeper, more considered territory for this, the fourth studio album from Olly Knights and Gale... Read more
Published on 16 Jun 2009 by Mark Thomas
Brakes back to their best!
The Optimist LP is one of my favourite albums of all time, and seeing the band live in the early 2000's were some of the best performances I have seen. Read more
Published on 10 Jun 2009 by R. J. Mitchell
Crash a plane into my life
Somehow, the recognition that is lavished on many Britpop bands seems to slip right on by Turin Brakes. Read more
Published on 6 April 2008 by E. A Solinas
great new sound
What a present surprise when i put this CD on. I liked their previous albums, but feared they would continue on the same line as Jack in a box, meaning that this album would be... Read more
Published on 4 April 2008 by JRJ
Don't ask too many questions.
An excellent piece of work from a top notch 'band' (can they be classed as a band, I'm not sure). Particular highs on the album are 'Last chance', the edgier 'Stalker' and the... Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2008 by Mr. C. M. Jones
Band on Fire!
Although some reviewers of this album are probably pining for the delicate tunes of the debut 'Optimist' anyone who is able to admire how a band can mature and push their... Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2008 by Stephen Holmes
Ever seen 'em live...?
These guys are brilliant live, and it's only when you see them in the flesh that these songs really come to life. Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2007 by el Duderino-Johnson
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