Dirty Three “Cinder” [Touch and Go]

If you were caught in a slump and couldn’t seem to shake those dreary blues, the Dirty Three feel your pain. This instrumental Aussie trio translates violins, guitars, drums, organ, bass & more into somber experimental indie rock with that dim lit pensive pub feel. The inventive violinist Warren Ellis (Blackeyed Susans, Paranoid and the Nursing Mothers, Nice Cave & the Bad Seeds), drummer Jim White, and guitarist Mick Turner (the Moodists, the Sick Things) exhibit tremendous sophistication on Cinder. These sentimental selections produce a warm & touching vibe that is undeniably enthralling. Such tender moods are lovingly interpreted by Ellis? heart-rending bow & pluck of his violin. Pounding toms, mandolin strums, gentle cymbal crashes, snare brushing, and reverb tones build slowly, lull into deep acoustic resonance, and swirl into alluring lethargic dreamscapes. Not all songs despair & lament. Several are actually enlivened and hopeful. Nonetheless, all are stunningly executed and extremely powerful. ‘Last Dance? is stellar and Chan Marshall and Sally Timms vocalize on essential recordings like ‘Great Waves? and ‘Feral? respectively. It’s difficult not to have respect for such humble & humbling talent. 3WR: Wistful Sound Waves