The Lost Brothers’ music, while deceptively complex in the making, is not difficult to understand. Their uniquely original take on classic American forms, not to mention those achingly gorgeous harmonies, are irresistible to most – and a thrill to behold, especially in a live setting. Widely-travelled and deservedly feted since their 2008 debut, their star has risen on the back of those very qualities. The fourth album from Mark McCausland and Oisin Leech is said to be something of a new direction for the duo. But while it does veer subtly away from their primary influences, this is no stylistic about-turn.
Despite the fact that New Songs of Dawn and Dust was recorded in Liverpool with ex-Coral man Bill Ryder-Jones at the helm, the duo retain their love for American music. Indeed, there is a definite “south of the border” feel about some of these songs. Opening track ‘Spanish Reprise’ – a gorgeously atmospheric, mainly instrumental piece, with lush, widescreen textures, features mariachi horns and a lovely melody to boot. ‘Derridae’, the first single from the album, is a gently-strummed folk tune, the chorus of which owes a little to Ray Davies’ ‘Days’, while the guitar pattern is reminiscent of both Neil Young’s ‘Tell Me Why’ and Ryan Adams’ ‘Oh My Sweet Carolina’. Meanwhile, ‘Walking Blues’, with a rinky-dink rhythm recalling Dylan’s ‘I Want You’ and a lovely keening melody, with harmonies both aching and blissful, is a definite highlight
Elsewhere, Woody Guthrie folk is explored on ‘Soldier’s Song’; the lovely ‘Can I Stay With You’ is more “ole-timey” in approach; while ‘Poor Poor Man’ comes across like a Marty Robbins-style Western Gunfighter ballad. Gordon Lightfoot-meets-Leonard Cohen is the only way I can describe ‘Hotel Loneliness’ — yet another triumph — while ‘Nocturnal Tune’ is a haunting, dreamlike instrumental with yearning steel guitar.
Throughout, the arrangements and production complement the songs and the pair are smart enough to know when to keep it simple, as on the sublime ‘Gold And Silver’. With just finger-picked guitar and pristine harmony voices, it showcases The Lost Brothers at their most effective.