I thought The Dirty Three were massive. They have 210 ‘likes’ on Facebook, yet I’ve heard plenty wax lyrical about them. I’m assured by this – it’s an indication they deserve the reputation I’ve sensed, as a real muso’s band. For the casual music listener, this could make them hit or miss.

The first tracks set the scene. Having not recorded in their free exploratory vein for a while – due to commitments to a variety of international projects ranging from playing with Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, writing scores for The Road and curating All Tomorrow’s Parties – drums clash around the sound stage meaning to make an impression. Thus begins an emotive journey.

Rising Below is a more positive rise to mid-point through an optimistic sounding certain future. Rain Song summons the tension again and is a call for us to move on. That Was That is the real deal, crushing fuzzed up violin tones over simple, timeless guitar and rolling ride-happy drums. You can really hear the conversation between the instruments. Man, I almost want to sing a chorus at times.

With your hands on this, it’s probable you already know the band, a dedicated follower or follower of improvised faux – country/neu – folk-type, somewhat grubby, rock ’n’ roots music. All the sounds are pleasingly mixed, good and hot. You can hear The Three’s influence in other bands’ repertoires from Gomez to Syd Arthur and way beyond. From festival main stages to back room open mic jam session scenarios, like jazz bar (pre-history) era Stones jamming blues and rock ’n’ roll standards.

The album serves justice to their legacy, finishing with dusty tones like the violin is running through an ageing tape machine. Very pretty, reflective and again sort of bumping around on top of guilty guitars and drumming more for a contribution in voice, as opposed to rhythmical device. It’s a satisfying close to this outing and a healthy anticipation of tomorrow.

-Andy Halliday-