Former Archers of Loaf frontman Eric Bachmann has used his post-Archers project, Crooked Fingers, to move firmly into sincere, folksy, singer/songwriter territory on RED DEVIL DAWN and other albums. DIGNITY AND SHAME continues Bachmann's progression and expands his palette, fusing elements of alt-country, indie-pop, and Americana roots-rock. There is a sleepy, intimate vibe to most of the record, and, be it the pensive, walk-through-the-cornfield feel of "Twilight Creeps" or the drowsy melancholy of "Destroyer," Bachmann is skilled at creating an ambience of dreaminess and quiet.
Parts of DIGNITY AND SHAME are Spanish-tinged, from the dusty, flamenco-styled instrumental "Islero" to the driving "Andalucia." (The album's cover art and references to bullfighter Manolete contribute to the theme.) Many of Bachmann's songs are so subtle and unassuming it is easy to overlook their craftsmanship. "Sleep All Summer," for example, a duet with Lara Meyerratken, moves with a delicate, lilting sway, while the straightforward folk of "You Must Build a Fire" is Bachmann at his troubadour best. Weeping lap steel, trumpet, and congas add texture and flavor elsewhere, fleshing out this batch of excellent tunes, and resulting in the strongest Crooked Fingers release to date.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (No. 968, p.74) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[Here Crooked Fingers smooth] out their mix of Tom Waits grime and sweet heartland folk..."
Spin (p.92) - "[S]turdier and more complex, a blend only a true lifer could pull off." - Grade: B+
Uncut (p.100) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[T]he piano-led 'Twilight Creeps' is one of the most affecting things Bachmann's ever done."
Alternative Press (p.122) - 4 out of 5 - "[E]ngaging..."
