Many fans and music critics alike argue that Crow have not achieved success worthy of their musical talent. Throughout their career spanning over twenty years (albeit with a ten year hiatus), the Sydney based alternative rockers have shared the stage with the likes of Nirvana and Sonic Youth and earned critical comparisons to Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party.

Upon listening to Arcane, Crow’s first effort in over ten years, it’s instantly apparent that these comparisons are on not ill deserved. Album opener “Ghost at the Crossroads” begins ominously with jangly guitars and haunting horns. Instead of triumphantly announcing their comeback, Crow approach it with apprehension “This ghost at the crossroads and burned out tracks saying why are you back?”, however once the uplifting chorus kicks in all these doubts seem to be washed away. Lead songwriters Peter Fenton and Peter Archer harmonize beautifully and prove that they can pull off both light and shade with equal effectiveness.

Having said that, the balance between the two is not equal and I would have preferred a bit more darkness on the album, because this is when Crow sound their best. “She’s Higher than the Light” has a thudding post-punk bass line and subtle horns worthy of The Birthday Party themselves. The guitars in the verse section of “Hesitate” are absolutely killer and the horns once again creep in for added atmosphere. “Stray Leanne” sounds as though it could have been written by Modest Mouse, with its infectious groove and quirky vocals. The darkest material here is generally also the most upbeat, with the exception of “Barbarous Things” that ends the album on a somber note with a brooding country vibe some very Nick Cave-esque marimba.

The lighter, mellower material on the album is a bit more hit and miss. There are highlights like “Almost Saturday”- a beautifully soothing affair reminiscent of Nick Cave’s Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus era. The keyboards in the chorus sound a lot like Faith No More’s cover of The Midnight Cowboy theme song. “Cold Wind Hollow” on the other hand is the kind of vaguely bluesy indie rock one would expect Kings Of Leon play. Whether this is a good or bad thing is entirely up to the listener.

Consensus: After a ten year absence Crow make a welcome return to the Australian music scene with a diverse, multi-layered album that reveals more depth with each listen.

Review Score: 7.5/10

Photo by Jo Corbett