That Dave Jackson and Becky Stringer have persisted in their musical dream for almost a quarter-century is testimony to their dedication, whether working in the
Room, Dust,
Benny Profane or their newest effort the
Dead Cowboys.
Twin Evil Stars, their second full album, finds the trio (multi-instrumentalist Greg Milton being the remaining member) still able to kick up some smoke, tackling the kind of mythic, dark-tinged country & western styles suggested by such artists as the
Walkabouts,
Stan Ridgway and
Simon Bonney. Thematically
Twin Evil Stars tackles everything from film noir settings to intense, focused psychodramas -- "New Neighbor" is one of the sharpest depictions of incipient infidelity around. Jackson's warm, passionate voice has lost none of its power -- "Biting the Ground" is a standout example, especially on the chorus -- while Stringer remains a sympathetic performer on the low end and Milton shows a nice way around
Morricone-styled twang and moodout. "A Good Car" is a strong showcase for all three, the musicians balancing feedback grind with reverb and shimmer. (Peter Baker's contributions on Hammond organ on many tracks deserve a nod as well, adding atmospheric shading and drama as on the suitably titled "Black Easter.") Starting with the headlong charge of the title track,
Twin Evil Stars lasts just over an hour but blessedly doesn't feel overstuffed or draggy -- concentrating on short songs serves both group and listener well. The sense of variety that the band can create is also welcome, ranging from the acoustic guitar-led folk/chant moodout "Violet City" to the sweeter bent of "Cowboy Mouth," a wistful celebration of dreaming of the Old West while being stuck in a 'northern English winter.' There's also a nod backwards to Dust via the combination of "No Mystery/Breathe Pure White Light," resulting in a sharp fusion of Jackson and Stringer's brighter-sounding post-punk past with their present. ~ Ned Raggett