Album Review: Reverend JM's Panic Worship - Cast Iron Dentures

Murder Ballads come alive on this dark, atmospheric, black comedy album which for the last two days has suited my post Electric Picnic mood from Reverend JM's Panic Worship. 



For artists like Nick Cave or Tom Waits I personally have to be in a place where I'll be able to take the brutality of the song themes and musicianship. I definitely think that's the case with 'Cast Iron Dentures', the second album from the Dublin based three piece  'Reverend JM's Panic Worship'. Fronted by New Yorker JM Burr the band make the most of everyday instruments like spoons, pots and woks to create a unique sound to compliment the murder ballads and dark love songs on the album.

There's some fine humour on the album. The amazing 'secret' track at the end is a charming ghost tale with a difference. 'Split My Heart' is a bone chilling letter of heartache which is full of dark humour while it's hard not to like this 'Devil Lullabye'.



There are some very well written songs on this album. 'Jail Cell' is a very heartwarming prison song of loss and loneliness while 'Wrongs to Right' is a  standard charming folk song as is 'Cold Tonight'. These moments of real quality stand out from the intertwined middle eastern Gothic tales made with instruments as diverse as banjo ukelele, tin cans, washbords, oven dishes, etc.



I've really enjoyed listening to 'Cast Iron Dentures'. It has charm, humour, dark atmospheric overtones and some great tunes as well.

Reverend JM's Panic Worship - Cast Iron Dentures [10 out of 12]

http://www.reverendjm.com/home.html

The album launch is this Friday with a FREE gig in The Grand Social.


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