Tindersticks

The great thing about Tindersticks is that they are a special band. They're not for everyone, they're for people who can sit down and appreciate the complex equation they use to create music. Their music is filled with romantic imagery, and is a modern day brand of soul for the heavy drinker. Tindersticks are a strong brandy, something that needs to be savoured to be appreciated, and definitely not for those that don't like the flavour, or in this case, the style of music. Can Our Love... has improved the band's enchantment and unlike their last record (1999's Simple Pleasure), the band set out not to try so hard this time. Their early recordings were raw, artistic and poetic, and their last attempt just felt like the band were not themselves. Their fifth album in ten years captures the band at a new level in their career. This record is a lovely piece of soul that is full of life, emotion and sadness. As always, Stuart Staples' delicate and rumbling voice guides each song through the swaying motions the band provides behind him. He now seems to be singing from his heart, like Al Green, whereas before his emotions were harder to pinpoint. "Can Our Love...," the title track, displays this perfectly. Staples pleads his case to a lover while the guitar, drums and horn follow his every word. It then makes sense as to why they named the album after this song, or vice versa. Can Our Love... reassures the notion that Tindersticks will never be a band for the people, but will always be that nice glass of brandy.