Grinderman
Grinderman 2

I could start and end this review by saying that if this album had a different name, no one would comment on it, or, if I had to choose a contemporary/historical band, better them than the Rolling Stones, but the truth is that Cave and company allow themselves to do whatever they want thanks to a great personality/attitude and a glorious past. But if you look elsewhere, there are much cooler and probably more sincere bands that no one pays attention to. They're simply floundering trying to act 'young'. How can you associate the calm image of Warren Ellis in "No More Shall We Part" with the current homeless look, very poser-ish. What truth can be acquired if not: hey, we're cool, let's act cool!!!

But let's move on to the music. Certainly, we find a more shamanic and probably inspired Nick Cave. "When My Babe Comes" could be an example, probably the most successful track along with "Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man", but I also thought of it as a B-side from the recent "Dig Lazarus Dig". Ellis's noise/wha wha borders on the ridiculous, never inspired, and never in the right place. He could listen to the Sonic Youth to understand what it means to experiment with noises, he could ask Jim Sclavunos who even played in the band, but no, he insists on screwing our eardrums with those damned mandocasters. You can tell that compared to the first album, there's more effort in production and composition. "Evil" and '"Kitchennette" have a step of a good rock singer-songwriter song. But Jack White has already done better and in every possible way, and probably even uncle Nick with his Birthday Party.

"Palaces of Montezuma" just to give you an easy idea, is an obvious B-side from the "Abattoir Blues" sessions, neither more nor less. A bluesy rhythm with a light-hearted text. "Bellringer Blues" closes the album, which only has nine songs, probably the only point of contact with the very recent past of the quartet. In light of this second act signed by Grinderman, I re-evaluate the first one, definitely more playful and garage.