Climbing up from the roots

Lead vocalist Stuart Staples and his trademark dark and deeply soulful vocals are the main attraction of the United Kingdom’s Tindersticks.

The previous Tindersticks albums concentrated heavily on the band’s soul and jazz roots, but “Falling Down A Mountain” reveals a more experimental range in its sound and a continued interest in working with a blend of classical instruments. “Hubbard Hills” is a beautiful instrumental with some very orchestral sounds mixed with guitar and keyboard and, finally, a relaxed trumpet.

I think the attraction of this band lies in the mysterious and, at times, inaudible lyrics of Stuart Staples, along with the addition of strings and horns. Tindersticks is obviously a mature band that has developed its unique sound over years and years, but the evolution from its roots as a very soulful band is clear. This album reflects the band’s determination and quest for unique, yet enjoyable, music.