Tindersticks - The Hungry Saw

by Anthony Strutt

published: 31 / 3 / 2008

Label: Beggar's Banquet
Format: CD

intro

Superb first Tindersticks album in five years, which recalls much of their past, but also brings something distinctive and new to the sound

‘The Hungry Saw’ is the first new studio album from Tindersticks since their 2003 album, ‘Waiting for the Moon’, and front man Stu Staples moved base to France. Now centered around three full time members instead of six as on the previous CD, they still sound very much like the Tindersticks of past glories, but this time with a slightly different sound. ‘Intro’ opens the album, which is an instrumental based around a piano, a soft bass and simple keyboards. ‘Yesterday's Tomorrow’ is a widescreen Tindersticks number. It sounds very fresh, and serves as a reminder of how much we have missed them. They add some trumpet on this to their beautiful sound. ‘The Flicker of a Little Girl’ made its debut on their MySpace page a few weeks ago, and has a 70s’ retro flavour and a soulful sound. ‘Come Feel the Sun’ features a moody piano. Stu's vocal is clean and crisp, and the violin on it is sad as you would expect. ‘E-Type’ has weird guitar effects, Mexican-flavoured trumpets and female backing vocals that recall those of Laetitia Sadier from Stereolab. ‘The Other Side of the World’ is sorrowful with lonesome guitar sounds and lush arrangements. It is very cinematic in tone and like Tindersticks of old. ‘The Organist Entertains’ does exactly as it says on the title, and, aided by strings, is very short and to the point. The title track is perky and loud in sound, and somewhat different for the band in that, while again featuring lush arrangements, it is more jagged in places. ‘Mother Dear’ is very moody with the guitar butting in at uneven places and making it sound like a rehearsal. Lush strings, however, eventually cut in, recalling the Tindersticks of old. ‘Boobar Corrie’ has a perfect vocal, strummed guitar work and as it moves on adds backing vocals which are both loud and cheerful. All the Love’ is played on Spanish guitar and triangle and features a sad vocal from Stu before adding female vocals and sorrowful cello. The last track, ‘Turns We Took’, is a loud and string arranged number,with female vocals assisting Stu. It is great to have them back. We have missed them a lot.

Track Listing:-

1 Introduction
2 Yesterdays Tomorrows
3 The Flicker of a Little Girl
4 Come Feel The Sun
5 E-Type
6 The Other Side Of The World
7 The Organist Entertains
8 The Hungry Saw
9 Mother Dear
10 Boobar Come Back to Me
11 All The Love
12 The Turns We Took

Band Links:-

http://www.tindersticks.co.uk/splash/
https://www.facebook.com/tindersticksofficial
https://twitter.com/tindersticksuk
https://www.instagram.com/tindersticksuk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGYoenA1_EIOx5B9SGt3SA

interviews

Interview (2008)

Melancholicists Tindersticks are returning in April with their first new studio album in five years, 'The Hungry Saw'. Anthony Strutt speaks to frontman Stuart Staples about it and why the band stripped down from a six piece to a three piece for its making

live reviews

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 2/5/2016

Dixie Ernill at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester watches Nottingham-based alternative rockers Tindersticks play a stunning two set gig, one of consisting old material and one of their entire latest album 'The Waiting Room', which comes accompanied by a short film for each song

Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 25/3/2010

Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London, 9/3/2010

Bridgewater Hall,Manchester, 4/10/2008

Royal Festival Hall, London, 3/5/2008

London Blackheath Halls