HUMANIST
On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World (Bella Union)
Former Exit Calm guitarist Rob Marshall’s eponymous debut album as Humanist was a dark, moody guitar-led belter, released as pandemics and lockdowns came galloping over the horizon to scupper touring plans. Two years later came the untimely death of Mark Lanegan, with whom Rob Marshall was a regular co-writer and who featured heavily on Humanist. Now, though, Marshall has dusted himself down and made a second album.
On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World has a more defined sound this time, and one which lets in light and highlights vulnerability in these songs’ themes. Dave Gahan, a guest vocalist on Humanist, returns in fine soul-baring form for Brother – paying tribute to Lanegan in its lyrics, it builds and builds until Marshall’s guitar enters the frame.
From Ed Harcourt to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Peter Hayes to Isobel Campbell, it feels like each of On The Edge…’s guests is giving it their all, with Marshall’s own vocals being on point too. With an aura something like Cocteau Twins meeting Psychedelic Furs, with this second Humanist effort Rob Marshall has outgunned his debut.
words DAVID NOBAKHT
