aaamusic | On 08, May 2012

Following the release of Blues Funeral back in February, Mark Lanegan Band have recorded four songs for the thirteenth installment in the 4AD Sessions.

Pull Studios in Manhattan’s Hudson Square played understated host to a session that leans heavily on Mark’s indelible voice and undeniable presence, as well as the intensity and precision of his band. Filmed during a break in rehearsals for a New York City show that was to herald the release of the album, the session captures a band fully sharpened and itching to hit the road (US dates begin May 10th).

Tearing through four stand-out tracks from Blues Funeral, the performance ripples with a quiet fury that will be familiar to all those who’ve followed Mark over a career spanning more than two decades. Backed by a band as skilled as Mark is charismatic, the ambitious range of tracks such as ‘Harborview Hospital’ sit comfortably beside the barely concealed rage of ‘The Gravedigger’s Song’, reminding once again why Blues Funeral is such a rewarding listen.

Unlike other sessions in the series in which a firmly defined visual concept was central to capturing the performance, the intention here was to strip away any studio trickery in order to allow the band to stand-alone. That this simplified approach remains so powerful is testament to the inimitable quality of the music on show and Mark Lanegan’s enduring allure.

Session directed by Robert Semmer (www.robertsemmer.com)

4AD Session track listing:

1. The Gravedigger’s Song
2. St. Louis Elegy
3. Riot In My House
4. Harborview Hospital

‘Riot In My House’ is currently streaming at The Quietus over HERE, the full Session can be viewed at: www.4ad.com/sessions/013

Mark Lanegan Band return to Europe later this Summer, and will play the following shows:

August 2012:

11th – France, La Route du Rock Festival
13th – Frankfurt, Batschkapp
14th – Munich, Freiheizhalle
16th – Belgium, Pukkelpop Festival
18th – Switzerland, Gampel Festival
19th – Holland, Lowlands Festival
21st – Falmouth, Princess Pavilion
22nd – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
24th – Leeds, Leeds Festival
25th – France, Rock En Seine Festival
26th – Reading, Reading Festival
28th – Aberdeen, Garage
29th – Edinburgh, Picturehouse

September 2012:

1st – North Dorset, End of the Road Festival
2nd – Italy, A Perfect Day Festival