The Belgian rock band who formed in 1991 return with their first for 10 years, an LP feels refreshed and re-energised, frontman Tom Barman and co’s songs with a spring in their step. The title track opens the album with dramatic timpani, arresting orchestral backing that builds, and a profound, theatrical, spoken and whispered entry (“we don’t know what we have until it’s gone…”), a song with multiple meanings. Single Must Have Been Now catches the attention with classic indie rock hooks. The wistful 1989 recalls a smoother sound, Barman’s rich voice recalling elements of Leonard Cohen, Tindersticks’ Stuart Staples and The The’s Matt Johnson, as he moves between the spoken, then sung in dramatic fashion. Pirates has a light, agile touch with gentle guitar effects and orchestra, Man Of The House jumps into a heavier rock sound while closer Le Blues Polaire is sung entirely in French with a classic swagger. An eclectic, stylish, intriguing fusion of the old and new. Out on PIAS.
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