The Fall – Reformation Post TLC

26th studio album and what seems like the 300th different lineup you never really know what you will get when a new Fall album arrives. After 2005′s very friendly “Fall Heads Roll” three members quite the band on the US tour and now the band is made up of Mark E Smith and his wife, Elena, with Tim Presley and Rob Barbato (of Darker My Love), Orpheo McCord (of The Hill) and Dave Spurr (of Motherjohn).

The new lineup has two bassists. So the album sounds a bit dirty at times. But after a few listen you realize this is perfect for Smith’s unique vocal delivery. “Reformation!” is where the new lineup really shines. It is hypnotic and slightly scary at times. “Fall Sound” could this be a snag at the critics. “The Wright Stuff” has Elena take the vocals with her Germany accent and the song seems to be about a train journey. “Das Boat” is a mind numbing 8 minutes of drone and submarine sounds. It makes you want to see the film “Das Boot” after.

“Reformation Post TLC” is full of variety and it seems to be a fresh start for the band. “Fall Heads Roll” was quite an accessible record (songs were used in a commercial) that such a strange record needed to be made.

By John Siwicki