Fall Heads Roll

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Mark E. Smith has always gotten the best out of his musicians. He has a gift for bringing sounds together in unorthodox ways that take on a life of their own. "Ride Away" is sparse, relying on Ben Pritchard's slashing guitar, Elena Poulou's elementary keyboards, and Smith's near-tuneful delivery. From this deliberately lumpy delivery, the album hits its stride. "Pacifying Joint" spotlights drummer Spencer Birtwistle's supple rhythm bouncing with Poulou's keyboard (which again drives the melody). A cover of The Move's "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" is another excellent reinvention of an unexpected cover. "Bo Demmick" rides Steve Trafford's sturdy bass line as Smith prattles on in pure Fall fashion. Trafford has several vocal turns, highlighted by the acoustic waltz "Early Days of Channel Fuhrer." Meanwhile, "Trust in Me" is—even by Fall standards—a stylistic departure featuring several guest vocalists. However, "Blindness" is a purebred Fall grinder that exemplifies everything that's magnificent about the Mark E. Smith songwriting schematic.

via Apple Music