The biggest change yet for Soulsavers, the move from full electronic sound to guitars was heard on their album Broken (2009) and now with the addition of big strings and a full gospel choirs ‘The Light The Dead See’ has all the makings of an epic gothic soundtrack.

The last album saw Spiritualized’s Jason Pierce, Mike Patton of Faith No More, Richard Hawley and Gibby Haynes of Butthole Surfers and Will Oldham aka Bonnie Prince Billy join Mark Lanegan, who has settled in to the role of main vocalist for Rich Machin and Ian Glover.

After supporting Depeche Mode in 2009 they were joined by Dave Gahan; a collaboration born from instinct and with much of the album recorded in friends houses they had the ease to openly explore sometimes uncomfortable themes.

Presence of God has Gahan questions his faith and following an illness like he has had its understandable; this track shows just how much freedom they all had to run with their desires for this album.

Gone to Far is easily my favorite track at 1:58 when the acoustic and Hammond are replaced by distorted electric and drums and his voice bellows out in emotional desperation I can’t help but smile. The combination of the rock and gospel reminds me of the Abattoir Blues, it’s brief but it’s there and its enough to win me over.

‘The Light The Dead See’ is one of those albums that is perfect for sitting on your comfy chair with your headphones on and your eyes closed with quiet appreciation while you indulge in something darker than your usual music selection for the spring.

Words by Carolyn Davis