Turin Brakes - Dark on Fire

by Dixie Ernill

published: 9 / 10 / 2007

Label: Source
Format: CD

Eclectic and soon addictive fourth collection of superior pop from acclaimed London duo, Turin Brakes

Review

Two years on from their previous LP, 'Jackinabox', the London duo of Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian return with an eclectic new collection of songs on 'Dark On Fire'. Opening up with the rallying call of ‘Last Chance’, one of the album's highlights, and the funkier ‘Ghost’ the band showcase a definite shift towards a more complete band sound. While on the brilliant ‘Stalker’, the lead single from the LP, they deliver the sort of melodic masterpiece that Starsailor would kill to have written. Elsewhere, they return to more familiar territory for the slower ‘Other Side’, ‘Something In My Eye’ and ‘Bye Pod’ that stand up with the better tracks off their excellent debut LP, The Optimist'. There are rockier moments on here too, with ‘Timewaster’ and ‘Real Life’, picking up the pace after the brooding and brilliantly understated title track. There are elements throughout the LP that are reminiscent of Johnny Marr’s guitar work on some of the early Smiths songs or the equally fey Felt. It a grower, for sure, but there is enough to handsomely reward the patient listener. Two spins and you’ll be hooked…..

Track Listing:-

1 Last Chance
2 Ghost
3 Something In My Eye
4 Stalker
5 Other Side
6 Dark On Fire
7 Real Life
8 For The Fire
9 Timewaster
10 Bye Pod
11 Here Comes The Moon
12 New Star