Partly released in celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary (awww), the Handsome Family’s eighth record features “tales of intimate insects and lovers kissing in wet caves” (ewwww). Yes readers, Brett and Rennie Sparks are back to tell us some more stories of weird and wicked deeds and somewhat reassuringly, Honey Moon continues to employ their trademark mix of murder ballads and bluegrass tunes to great effect.
It’s hard not to hear hints of David Lynch or John Waters whenever you listen to the Handsome Family. Much like those two film-makers, the band use traditional Americana-steeped themes to convey their twisted vision and songs like ‘Linger, Let Me Linger,’ ‘The Loneliness Of Magnets’ and ‘Love Is Like’ are pure apple pie (only their apple pie has a dirty great maggot in the middle). The bizarre, quirky 50s backbeat won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but for those who’ve already been welcomed into the Family, there is plenty on offer to appease the fans. Brett’s wolfish croon sounds jagged yet beautiful on ‘When You Whispered’ and ‘Wild Wood’ and on the whole, Honey Moon is a solid, tune filled affair. Here’s to another 20 years.
Key Track: ‘When You Whispered’