The elusive Gary Murray brings us another heart killing set of profoundly sad songs on Novel, this time in LP form. Murray is becoming a master of his craft, sharing an obvious muse with song writers like Nick Cave, and especially Chris Isaak (minus Isaak's often jubilant surf melodies). In fact, "And the Angels" could almost be a stupidly removed outtake from Forever Blue. What Murray shares with Isaak is more happenstance than overt influence, however, and Murray should be hailed for his own way too lucid connection to the broken spirit. "Softly and Tenderly" is redone with crumbling reticence and thinly masked desperation. There is not really an impotent song on Novel, and it will be to our great shame if this significant album goes unheralded or unexperienced.
Editors' ratings - Doug 3/5, Jason 4/5
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2003Reviewed by Jason MoreheadAdmittedly, I've done a pretty rotten job of keeping up with LN's music. Case in point: Novel came out last year and I'm just now getting around to it. Needless to say, there are many others who are far more knowledgeable than I when it comes to this band. Having said that, it certainly feels like LN's Gary Murray has pushed himself musically on Novel, exploring a wider range of styles and sounds…Similar sounding releases
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