Everyone’s Alone, the newest release of alternative country kings The Dark Horses is a mature and articulated follow up to their 2011 self titled debut, while still scattered with lead singer Tex Perkins’ dark soulful expression, the new album approaches with varied lyrical content, new influence and a sound that complements their previous work while preaching their new.
Best known for fronting the well-known Australian bands The Cruel Sea and Beasts Of Bourbon, Tex Perkins has earned his place in our countries music industry. Behind Perkins stands a band that aren’t just a couple of session musicians, including various well known and respected Australian artists such as Charlie Owen, Joel Silbersher and Gus Agars.
Beginning their new found journey the album starts with the mid-tempo track ‘Uneasy Feeling’, opening with the line “I wake, rub the shit out of my eyes”, you’re instantly reminded of Perkins’ mild yet sophisticated dark humour. The album’s dark alternative country sound only expands from here.
Although lathered with tight, steel stringed guitar magic, the album seemingly involves a larger amount of dark drones, Charlie Owen’s impressive slide guitar, an occasional octave guitar riff and various other more bluesy instruments complement a group effort.
In comparison to their previous work, The Dark Horses’ latest flows with a consistency only a practiced live band could initiate, and a tighter and stronger bond is felt throughout.
Highlights of the album include a reprise of the third track ‘Dark Ride (Dawn)’ and its complimentary number, ‘Dark Ride (Dust)’, sweeping in and re-inventing its counterpart fantastically. Fuzzed out blues number, ‘A Real Job’ rings reminiscent and familiar to ears with the repetition of previous songwriting techniques of Perkins – he’s still got it.
Ten years on, and closer than ever, the band have brought out their smoothest rolling record yet.
