Album Review: The Dark Horses - Everyone’s Alone

After waiting eight years to release new material with last year's austere self-titled record, Tex Perkins and his Dark Horses have wasted no time returning to the fray. Immediately there are some noted differences on Everyone's Alone, the most notable being the omission of Perkins' name from their moniker. Yet this speaks volumes, as Everyone's Alone proves to be a more rounded effort, infused with many personalities and voices to create a stronger – at times more rambunctious – whole.

That's not to say that Perkins isn't capable of these things on his own, or that the Dark Horses haven't let their hair down in the past. In fact, the ambling opener Uneasy Feeling plays like the warmly familiar band of old (that will always be difficult to shake due to Perkins' iconic drawl). It is a beautiful track and there are touches throughout, from Murray Paterson's iconic guitar lines, to Gus Agars' robust drumming and Charlie Owens' lap-steel, which strangely appear more fleshed out, more there, than ever before. This holistic approach becomes more apparent as the album progresses – the two instrumental codas Open Ended, Dark Ride (Dawn) and Dark Ride (Dusk) are effusive counterpoints to the country-inflected fare here, permeating a shuffling eloquence that lends a shadowed gravitas to the proceedings. New addition James Cruickshank (The Cruel Sea) adds another string to the bow on electric piano and especially his backing vocals on Stay (Where You Are), whilst Joel Silbersher's idiosyncratic guitar playing adds a concrete spine.

Perkins himself seems more relaxed than ever, offering plaintive, even rugged turns of phrase when delivering tales of lament, woe, regret and, as always, hope. Whilst this is their second album since their return, Everyone's Alone is the true vindication for the wait.