Things We Lost In The Fire

Things We Lost In The Fire shuffles into a languorous life of its own with the slow burning opener, 'Sunflower', excellently embellished with skeletal string and piano contributions. By the time the listener gets to 'Medicine Magazines' it is deliciously apparent that greatness is in the room. Better still is the current single 'Dinosaur Act' - an infectious bare shell of tune powerfully punctuated by a thunderous power chord and gently lilting chorus.

While there is a deeply thought provoking, and at times frankly disturbing, sense of loss prevalent throughout, there are many moments of renewal and redemption shimmering in the background. 'In Metal' and the terrific 'Embrace' are Mimi Parker's sumptuous hymn to joys of motherhood. Repeated listens confirm and re-confirm that Low have produced something heartbreakingly magnificent that is refreshingly devoid of any fashionable or trend-led precedent. This basic and beautiful recording engineered by Steve - In Utero, Surfer Rosa - Albini is a rare treasure.