Tindersticks-Black Smoke

Downloadable • Monday November 16th, 2009 • 5:53 pm

The fact that, after 7 studio albums and 19 years, Tindersticks is not more popular than they are borders on criminal. They are preparing to release their 8th studio album. Falling Down a Mountainin early 2010 and judging by the sound of “Black Smoke” they have continued to refine their craft hot on the heels of releasing and touring for 2008’s Hungry Saw.

Known for their rich, dense, orchestral sound and Stuart Staples equally rich, on-the-edge tenor, they do not stray far from this formula on their recent work. With vocals that waver on the line between emotion and monotone I’m reminded of Ian Curtis’ raw vocal delivery. Though Staples voice is largely unchanged, there is a maturity and depth evident on “Black Smoke” that takes the Tindersticks sound and adds another element into the mix. Opening with an acoustic guitar line and atmospheric horns they add layer upon layer of instrumentation, some just small pieces of texture, creating something that is definitely greater than it’s parts.

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Tagged as: chamber pop, England