DANIEL KNOx

Chasescene 8/10

Deliciously sour vignettes from Chicago singer-pianist

Knox’s ambiguous narratives muddy the lines between fiction and fact on this wonderfully dark fourth album. His often vengeful lyrics find contrast in the music – piano, strings and the occasional low buzz of saxophone – which feels rooted in pre-war Tin Pan Alley. His untutored baritone is a thing of great power too, particularly on the vicious sentiments of the title track and the off-kilter “Man Is An Animal”. Jarvis Cocker brings ominous whispers to “Capitol”, sliding through the song like a ghost, with chief inspiration Nina Nastasia delivering a majestic vocal on “The Poisoner”.