Prolific as The Fall’s output may be, it evidently fails to satisfy all of Mark E Smith‘s creative aspirations. This entertaining, sonically diverse partnership with former Fall member, manager, co-writer and producer Ed Blaney often gravitates to found and acoustic sounds (the spooky “Mettle Claw”, the wintry “When We Were Young”).

Conversely a cover of Nervous Norvus “Transfusion” emerges as an autopsy (seemingly performed with an electric rotor blade) on vintage Fall favourite “Rowche Rumble”. A cover of The Velvets’ “Real Good Time Together” completes a varied picture.

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GAVIN MARTIN

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