In 2004 Lambchop released Aw C’mon/No You C’mon; an album title so delightfully playful it could charm the cash out of your wallet before you even knew what subtle wonders lay beyond the album sleeve.  In 2006 Lambchop has released Damaged; an album title so brusque it virtually spits at you.  

The apparent change in mood is no accident; Kurt Wagner has had a troubled 12 months. The details of which can no doubt be found in the grimier depths of the world wide web, but really should be left as private concerns for the band’s protagonist. Because, as Wagner attests, “The album title is in the past tense because I’m trying to put these things behind me”.  

Nonetheless it’s clear that Wagner’s turbulent year has shaped the tone for Lambchop’s 8th studio release.  Wagner still displays a gift for astute observation of the human condition (particularly the emotional nuances between men and women), however, Damaged has a distinctly introspective feel – as if the events of recent times has caused Wagner to pick through the flotsam and jetsam of his own life.

As you would expect from its title, this album lacks the splashes of brightness that frequented Aw C’mon.., however, its mood is more melancholy than depressive. ‘On Prepared’ (2) Wagner’s gritty voice is closer to tears than song, however, the emotional weight is tempered by refined strings and the loveliest piano which is introduced as the vintage sound of 50s Standards. ‘A Day Without Glasses’ lays its heart on the table, “there are some things I want to tell you but sometimes I get confused”, but staccato guitars lend a certain jauntiness to proceedings which stops the whole thing sliding into over-sentimentality.

Whilst Lambchop are readily labelled as Alt-Country, other than the occasional slice of slide guitar here and there, the Nashville influence is felt more keenly in the stories of bruised hearts than any overt musical reference.  For example, the smoky R&B of ‘I Could Have Waited Here All Day’, with its mellow brass and lonesome theme, sounds like early Otis Redding (although was actually written for – and ultimately rejected by – Candi Staton). 

Despite the shadows, there is relief to be had here. ‘The Decline Of Country and Western Civilisation’ sees Wagner clear his throat to deliver a full bodied tirade against the world in general, from the “pitchfork I-rock saviours” to the fact that “those who are waiting will soon be deported”. Buoyed by spirited piano, Wagner sounds as if he’s ready to turn his attention outwards again and start to grapple with whatever it is that’s been hounding him.

In talking about the album Wagner has said that “If you live long enough, you are going to have a tough year down the road.” Damaged is a deeply personal account of one man’s ‘tough year’, however, it’s also a testament to redemption and the fact that current heartache will eventually be reflected upon in the past tense. And if you need a little help in believing that…well, Lambchop are here to help.