The Tenebrous Liar / Jackknifed & Slaughtered

Jackknifed & Slaughtered is the fifth record from Steve Gullick’s Tenebrous project (initially known as Tenebrous, then Tenebrous Liar, and now The Tenebrous Liar, with the Gerry Mitchell collaboration Tenebrous Mitchell along the way) continues in a progressive (but not prog) vein that has allowed no two Tenebrous records to sound the same. Of course, this is no bad thing; it’s actually a key part of the appeal.

Jackknifed is louder and heavier than any of the previous releases, and catchier too. ‘Cut Down Your Love’ and, recent single, ‘No Guiding Light’ are electrifying blasts of modern alternative rock. ‘Nothing To Say’ underlines a Nirvana influence that is clear, but only in as much as it’s difficult to pin down any other obvious influences. This isn’t copyism, though: The Tenebrous Liar aren’t (as enjoyable as they are) Nine Black Alps.

The title track starts off closer to Tenebrous material of old, and certainly reflects the bleakness that is never far away from Gullick’s music. Tony Ash’s brief delay-ridden guitar lines add a melodic prettiness that only serve to make the tone of the song all the more desperate. It’s a prime candidate for the highlight of the album, and ultimately - despite its bruised vocals and raw, brutalised instrumentation - leaves one feeling uplifted.

The latter part of the Jackknifed brings the influences of early Cat Power, Palace and post-rock to the fore, without ever sounding particularly like anyone other than The Tenebrous Liar; ‘Freedom Reign’ has to be one of the more vicious songs of recent years, compelling in it’s bitterness, whilst ‘Is This How It Ends?’ (the answer being “almost”, as there’s a wonderful hidden song after it) leaves one gasping for air, and more.

With Jackknifed & Slaughtered Gullick and his band leave one wondering just where they can go next, and wanting to find out as soon as possible. You can bet that, wherever it is, it’ll be different, and at least as thrilling.