10/10

Sub Pop Records launched many a band, none more obvious than Nirvana. Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan both started out on the label with the critically lauded Afghan Whigs and Screaming Trees, respectively. The two old friends find themselves back in the fold with their first full length release together, and it is everything their fans could have hoped for.

Lanegan’s deep rumble of a voice launches dramatic opener The Stations almost unaccompanied before stabbing guitars and urgent strings build layers over each other. Lyrically spiritual and musically daring, it may well be the best thing the pair have put their names to.

Darkness seeps into every corner of the dozen songs, when even the lightest moment is titled The Body. Ostensibly a collection of rock songs, proceedings are coloured further with piano and Dulli’s croon complimenting perfectly the ragged howl of his co-vocalist. A thrilling and demanding listen, it is already a candidate for album of the year.

Lee Hanson