Tindersticks — Falling Down A Mountain

The Tindersticks sound has revolved around the unique (and at times trying) vocals of leader Stuart Staples for almost two decades and 10 albums. The only significant change was the departure of the band's arranger, multi-instrumentalist Dickon Hinchliffe, who often gave Tindersticks' material an out-of-worldly atmosphere.

Falling Down A Mountain begins with the mysterious title track, a slow-smoldering build-up that smashes the typical verse/chorus pop structure. Musically, it's a perfect pairing of Isaac Hayes and Art Ensemble Of Chicago.

The follow-up ballad "Keep You Beautiful" continues the same musical tempo, but with a major shift in Staples' lyrical subject matter. Where "Falling Down A Mountain" is quite world-weary, "Keep You Beautiful" is a simple, touching love song.

From there, the usual Tindersticks' weepfest is broken up with a surprisingly up-tempo "Harmony Around My Table," which could get even the terminally glum at least interested in some toe-tapping.

Tindersticks showcase a sprawling western sound throughout Falling Down The Mountain. It's especially illustrated on cowboy-themed "She Rode Me Down" and the instrumental finale, "Piano Music." There's shades of both Calexico and classical composer Ferde Grofe in these songs.

As usual, Staples' bass growl propels the majority of Tindersticks' lyrical narratives. On past albums Staples could be accused of being a bit single-minded, excavating the underbelly of human emotions. Here, there's some variety in his lyrical intent with songs ranging from the haunting stillness of "Fantasy Girls" to the uncharacteristically light-hearted and oddly absurd "Peanuts."

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