Rating: 8/10
Screaming Trees, Belle & sebastian, and what makes these names so solid? Trees' ugly Mark Lanegan, Sebastian's Isobel Campbell, what's more they're together again in the new album. "Sunday At Devil Dirt" which is their second project together, sounds like more Mark and Isobel dream far away from happiness. It's something like cry out all these dirty plans, disappointments, regrets, city sicknesses. Crying all of them like a sharp knife on your throat to sing the biggest mistakes in your life. But, actually, life is generally sad. Opening ballad, "Seafaring Song" will let you dream the goodness. Then, your (especially Mark's) old friend evilness at the door, and following song The Raven downs on you. Another Mark Lanegan-ish melancholy composition "Who Built The Road" is the most accessible collaboration of the album.

This is more powerful and more cinematic than previous Ballad of the Broken Seas. The more old he gets, more darkness his songs become, and Campbell's back vocals are adorable. After all, closing songs are not that much dark, they're almost sweet despite Mark Lanegan's smoky voice. No need to mention about Serge Gainsbourg, Tom Waits, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, and Mark Lanegan, you should drink to this album. Devil loves rock, and that's not your only match with him.

Isobel Campbell And Mark Lanegan - The Raven

MM picks: Who Built The Road, Come On Over (Turn Me On), Back Burner