Nancy - Tindersticks

Originally hailing from Nottingham and emerging from the embers of The Asphalt Ribbons, Tindersticks have been releasing records since the early '90s. This week, they have a new single out titled "Nancy," which precedes their forthcoming album, Soft Tissue. Expect all the usual Tindersticks touchstones: Stuart Staples’ almost-whispered vocals, tales of heartbreak, and a cinematic backdrop reminiscent of Serge Gainsbourg. About the new single, Staples explains: "Some say that there are only a few different types of songs. ‘Nancy’ definitely falls into the classic ‘guy fucks up / begs for forgiveness’ bracket—but hopefully with a few surprises along the way." Based on the strength of "Nancy," I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the new album.

Bio

Tindersticks were one of the most original and distinctive British acts of the '90s, standing apart from both the British indie scene and the rash of Brit-pop guitar combos that dominated the U.K. charts. Where, their contemporaries were often direct and to the point, Tindersticks were obtuse and leisurely, crafting dense, difficult songs layered with literary lyrics, intertwining melodies, mumbling vocals, and gently melancholy orchestrations. Essentially, the group filtered the dark romanticism of Leonard Cohen, lan Curtis, and Scott Walker through the bizarre pop songcraft of Lee Hazlewood and the aesthetics of indie rock. Though their music was far from casual listening, Tindersticks gained a dedicated cult following in the mid-'90s, beginning with their eponymous 1993 debut album, which was named Album of the Year by Melody Maker. At their best -- their 1993 and 1995 self-titled albums, 1997's Curtains, 2001's Can Our Love..., and 2012's The Something Rain -- Tindersticks crafted richly orchestrated, darkly beautiful music that often felt like soundtracks to imaginary movies. (Not surprisingly, they would find themselves scoring motion pictures after their breakthrough, including several projects with director Claire Denis.) 2021's Distractions saw the group exploring new directions with electronics and ambient textures while still creating music that reflected their own unique musical vision.