via theskinny.co.uk | 4/5 Stars

Remaining true to The Twilight Singers’ founding ethos, Greg Dulli once again assembles a notable cast for the long-awaited return of his New Orleans troupe. Dynamite Steps comes peppered with the distinct skill of raconteur Joseph Arthur, fellow Gutter Twin Mark Lanegan, modern folk icon Ani DiFranco, prolific go-to rock violinist Petra Haden, and (somewhat surprisingly) The Verve’s Nick McCabe – but it’s the cinematic vision of our ‘director’ that defines this characteristically dark and confessional offering.

Kicking off with the dramatic slow-burn of Last Night in Town, Dynamite Steps sets an exceptional bar – matched by the understated menace of Be Invited, the broken and bruised balladry of She Was Stolen, the open road anthemia of The Beginning Of The End, Waves’ startling recollection of the Afghan Whigs’ halcyon days, and the redemptive glory of its Black Love-besting title-track. Another decadent and varied round of sleaze-rock theatrics from the saviour of misbehaviour. [Paul Neeson]