Mark Lanegan Band - Gargoyle (Heavenly Recordings) 2017
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The depth of Mark Lanegan’s voice is unparalleled; his signature smooth-yet-gritty baritone has entranced listeners for over 30 years.
Partnering with long-time collaborators Greg Dulli of Afghan Whigs, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and legendary producer and former QOTSA guitarist Alain Johannes, Gargoyle explores influences ranging from country to electronic. (The more Homme-involved tracks are easily identified.) While the instrumentals tend to linger in lighter territory, Lanegan quickly points the tracks in a more serious, intense direction. The gruff, soulful vocals are a stark and welcome contrast to the ethereal synths and guitars.
Thankfully, the Mark Lanegan Band does not dwell on the past–the 10 tracks offered are a mesmerizing fusion of the modern and the established.