Lanterns On The Lake

★★★★ Gracious Tide, Take Me Home BELLA UNION. CD/DL/LP

Tenth-anniversary makeover of the stately Tynesiders’ debut album.

A decade on from its first appearance, Lanterns On The Lake’s debut album is reissued with the fresh context of knowing what came later. Early on, the Newcastle outfit described themselves as “cinematic indie”. Here, there’s a folkiness (viz, If I’ve Been Unkind) which was later lost. Also, the glitchiness and sepulchral approach of Iceland’s múm (The Places We Call Home). Hints of Mazzy Star too. Despite the exquisiteness, what’s now apparent is that the building blocks had not yet fused. During the ensuing and steady march, constant honing ensured it all gelled and, last year, dramatic fourth album Spook The Herd was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. With five previously unheard bonus tracks from the album sessions (the spectral Sapsorrow is great), this is a welcome reminder of how single-mindedness can bring artistic rewards.