For those of you who aren't religious, beware of this album - you will be converted. Also be warned however, that if you don't hear it, you'll be missing out on a gem of a record with a smouldering and eerie spirituality.
Made up of duo Rich Machinand Ian Glover, the Brits' second album features old gravel throat himself, Mark Lanegan, doing most of the vocals, as well as Will Oldham (aka Bonnie Prince Billy).
Opening track, Revival, is the most sober Lanegan has sounded in years and it's also one of his most sobering songs. "Wanna see a revival tonight. Lord, let there be a revival," he sings with a stunning gospel backing. Meanwhile, on Ghosts of You and Me he's at his most spooky.
Soulsavers' music mixes the atmospheric wheeze of Massive Attack; the fiery tension of Nick Cave; the strange beats of hip-hop outlaw Madvillain; and a singer/songwriter sentiment in the vein of Tom Waits or Neil Young.
While it never really rises above a lope, the songs unfold either so serenely (like the searing ambience of Spiritual), or with crescendos where everything could fall apart (like on Paper Money and Ask the Dust), that for most this album will be a religious experience.
Label: Shock
Verdict: Brit duo and famous guests covert us to music as a religion
