Album Review: The Horrible Crowes - Elsie
Published in Stencil Magazine on September 20th, 2011.
With most “side-projects” its inevitable that The Horrible Crowes’ Brian Fallon is always going to be compared to his Gaslight Anthem work in some form or another. In The Gaslight Anthem, Fallon has established himself as a charismatic frontman and acclaimed songwriter but with The Horrible Crowes, Fallon along with Gaslight Anthem guitar tech and longtime friend, Ian Perkins, his pristine songwriting is taken to another level as “Elsie” is a poignant collection of soul-influenced songs.
Self-described as “night-time record,” the duo soothly set the tone for the record with “Last Rites;” a dark and sombre intro that allows Fallon’s words wilfully stand out. As he sings “My baby just ain’t no good,” your expectation for this record grows. Thankfully “Sugar” delivers on this and follows on nearly perfectly, as it takes on a tone that wallows and slowly broods underneath with light guitar strums and dark, airy percussion. It really is a marvel to hear.
“Behold the Hurricane” is a more lively number and is possibly the most Gaslight Anthem-like track on here with an all-round fuller sound and upbeat tempo. Whilst tracks like “Go Tell Everybody” and “Mary Ann” do provide more soulful rock n roll moments; the latter is a stuttering and stomping number with passionate vocals from Fallon.
Although “Elsie” goes back and forth between soft moments like the drifting “Cherry Blossoms” and thicker songs like “Crush,” it still manages to flow perfectly with each song being delicately looked after and perfectly crafted to the point where you can’t hardly pick a fault.
Throughout, the duo’s lyrical weight leaves you stunned, as tracks like “Black Betty & the Moon” and “Ladykiller” draw you in and gently holds you with valuable momentum from start to finish. When this is combined with the stripped and pristine musical approach The Horrible Crowes have taken, you’re left with a perfect record, and to top it off the breathtaking “I Believe Jesus Brought Us Together” closes the record and sums “Elsie” ideally; a humble, compassionate and sombre collection of neatly-crafted songs.
It’s credit to Fallon and Perkins for being true to themselves and giving their all to “Elsie,” not letting any gimmicks, influences or any other distractions affect them, thus allowing “Elise” to come off as a unique and marvellous record that needs to be heard, whether its day or night.
5/5
(Source: issuu.com)
