Neko Case proves her ability to seamlessly drift from style to style with her latest effort The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.
The fourth studio album from the indie-rock songstress is a testament to her songwriting prowess and knack for unique instrumentation.
Album opener “Wild Creatures” slowly burns to a rocking crescendo that sets in motion a ride through the world of Case.
She shortly returns to her stripped back roots with “Night Still Comes” and “I’m From Nowhere”, the former showcasing a gospel style chorus with an impeccable vocal ensemble completely sucking you into the track.
Midway through the album is one of the most unique and hauntingly beautiful tracks released in recent history. “Nearly Midnight, Honolulu” is an entirely acapella track reminiscent of early experimental Queen. At this point it is evident that Case is one of the best vocal performers in the business, and even more so one of the greatest melodic writers.
A notable element of the album is the use of a wide range of instruments which give a hugely expressive and versatile nature to the album, ensuring that no two tracks sound the same. At some points, Case utilises electric guitar and thudding drums, and in others simply an acoustic guitar; or no instruments at all.
Through haunting harmonies and experimental instrumentation, Neko Case rounds up her fourth solo studio effort with absolute precision and grace. The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You is a definite career highlight, and a highlight for the indie-rock genre as a whole.
