Album Review: Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood, With Animals

Mark Lanegan (formerly of Screaming Tress and QOTSA) reunites with frequent collaborator, English multi-instrumentalist Duke Garwood, to deliver an album soaked in Southern gothicism and Old West vibes.

The instrumentation is sparse, creating an intimate feel. Particularly on opener 'Save Me', the lyrics ("Come on night time children / sing your harmonies") and dark atmosphere evoke Nick Cave, a major influence on Lanegan.

Singing in his trademark scratchy baritone, Lanigan brings a dangerous sensuality to 'With Animals' and 'Scarlett', the latter a dark love song about a woman lying in the singer's bed – who, for reasons unknown, he can't forgive.

The album was recorded on '60s style analogue equipment, and the production adds unique textures, most notably on 'Feast to Famine'. The recording style also helps reinforce the old-timey vibe.

While the 12 tracks are quiet and eerie, they also sound epic and massive thanks to Garwood's contributions. He conjures disorientating sonic whirrs a la Burial deep in the background, wringing a surprising amount of musical sweep out of a bare-boned album. He lifts With Animals, making it a cohesive concept record from two great musicians.

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Rating: 9/10