Album Review: The Tragedy of Dr. Hannigan, Fawkes Ache

Ever since he departed instrumentalists And So I Watch You From Afar six years ago, Tony Wright has seemingly been on a one man mission to make as much music as he can. The Tragedy Of Dr Hannigan is the latest in a long line of projects from the reformed post rocker and sees him discover a new kind of voice with the help of his partner in crime, producer/session musician Dean Stevens. Sometimes dark yet also comical, often weird but always wonderful, Fawkes Ache is a fun foray into the minds of two talented renaissance men.

Taking Dr John and Tom Waits as their spirit guides, the world of …..Dr Hannigan is a place where no idea is too outlandish and no lyric is sung without a knowing wink to the listener. Comprised of nine blues and rock flavoured cuts, the incendiary 'I Can't Breathe' is the pick of the bunch and wraps a riff reminiscent of modern day Clutch around soulful vocals from a guesting Jackie Rainey. Elsewhere, the deliciously obtuse 'Spooky Noodles' successfully flirts with country (and poodle haired '80s balladeers Mr Big), 'Hey Little Worried One' sees the pair indulge their inner Bobby McFerrin and deliver a feel good tune for the smart phone generation and 'Cabin On High' shows off their considerable guitar skills. Economical in length, but certainly not in ideas, Fawkes Ache is just what the doctor ordered.

7/10
OUT OCTOBER 24