Lightning In A Twilight Hour - There's More To Life Than Crooks Lightning In A Twilight Hour

Elefant Records presents the first two tracks to be released from the sessions for the third Lightning In A Twilight Hour album. "This really is gorgeous. One of those rare songs which, irrespective of time considerations, demands to be something more than just a 7" or whatever the post-vinyl equivalent is - a "Blue Monday", "Primitive Painters", "Revolutionary Spirit" or, yes, "Missing The Moon!" Something that just sounds Big and Important" - Matt Haynes, Sarah Records. "There's More to Life Than Crooks" and "Haar" form a stand-alone 12" single reflecting two contrasting approaches; a pop song and a dark tone poem. The A side combines ideas such as touching the grass in a world of noise and the Albert Camus inspired "existence is an act of rebellion". Written as an immediate reaction to world events, it explores the need to formulate some kind of response when presented with the very worst of times. Musically it takes its cues from Factory Records 12" singles, and pioneering experimental English rock band, Disco Inferno. Using a sound pallete of drum machine, sequencer, abrasive electric rhythm guitar and an outstanding Michael Hiscock (The Gentle Spring, The Field Mice) bassline, the music unfolds patiently over six minutes. Anne Mari Davies (The Field Mice) provides additional vocals which lift the chorus to where it shimmers and sparkles, releasing the tension. "Illuminate what's tender. Illuminate what's wise". "Haar", on the B side, is another world altogether. An ominous landscape featuring feedback loops, shortwave radio and autumn waves recorded at dusk in Dungeness, Kent. Anne Mari Davies this time provides layered, wordless vocals as the track's intensity increases. Recommended if you like Main, Labradford, Coil & Northern Picture Library.