LANKUM

False Lankum (Rough Trade)

False Lankum, album number four for Dublin’s lords of the dirge, is a work of astonishing contrasts. Taking traditional music and putting it through a mangle, the four-piece are scholars of folk, yet intent on pushing it into new places. Lead single Go Dig My Grave is an ideal introduction to both album and band, reinterpreting a well-trodden, tragic tale of a young woman, spurned.

Rather than relying on the lyrics alone to express the misery of the tale, Lankum strangle their instruments, drawing out a keening drone for the duration of the song’s second half. It feels filmic, engrossing and unique. Similarly, Master Crowley’s takes a well-known original and spins it on its head, dragging an upbeat reel to a pit of discord – the soundtrack to a big night out and a heavy morning to follow.

It’s not all about the black stuff though, there is soft light to be found here too. Clear Away In The Morning is a delicate palate-cleanser, while driving original The Turn ends the album on an upbeat note, sure of brighter days.

words HUGH RUSSELL