Dirty Three
Cinder
Touch & Go, 2005
A new Dirty Three album is certainly an exciting thing, but it may not warrant the phrase "cause for celebration." After all, this is the Dirty Three, whose brand of morose discordance has been indiscriminately depressing music lovers for six albums now (Cinder being the seventh). But something about Cinder feels lighter than prior efforts. The often raging strings of Warren Ellis feel so much more tender and delicate, and even on edgier tracks like "Doris" or "Flutter," his volatile violin sounds restrained and cautious, making these furious numbers sound more triumphant than tumultuous. The record, despite its icy, blue cover (another painting by band member Mick Turner), is surprising in its warmth, so much so that it may actually be its one fault - those familiar with the Three may be left wondering where the screech and scratch of past releases has gone. But this record represents a new way of thinking for the band, who, rather than trying to replicate the feel of live performances as on prior recordings, instead focused on broadening the song with a range of instruments - as Ellis' puts it, "give each song what it needed." The album even has a first for the band: vocals, as both Sally Timms of the Mekons and Chan Marshall (Cat Power) sing on "Feral" and "Great Waves," respectively. So, though Cinder is hardly their party record, perhaps this new Dirty Three album is cause for celebration. But who knew the celebration would be so fun? -- David Gulbis