Tinpan Orange - Love Is A Dog (2016)

In 2015 Tinpan Orange returned to the studio to record their fifth record, Love Is A Dog. Inspired, as always, by love, this collection of eleven songs is an exercise in musical portraiture: a rarified, naturalistic world, in which the few essential elements have been arranged to perfection. The deep, throbbing tremolo guitar, the shimmering strings, and the fine threads of Emily Lubitz’s gossamer voice, are the defining components of this album that isn't reliant on tricks of production but rather the raw, live performances that each band member brings.

Uncompromising in vision and astonishingly beautiful in execution, Love Is A Dog represents the culmination of a decade’s work. Recorded live, the chemistry between siblings Emily and Jesse is undeniable – the effortless mastery of blend that is only born from a lifetime’s singing and playing together. Alex Burkoy, full of gravitas on the violin, gives his greatest performance yet – the stark playing imbued with a sense of profound humanity.

The opening track, Rich Man sees Emily's voice soar into a gentle falsetto, the band simmering beneath her as she tells her cautionary tale. Love Is A Dog is heartbreaking ode to the end of a love affair, with Jesse's harmony perfectly complimenting Emily's melancholy refrain. Lucky One and Hear From Me bring a lightness to the album, providing some key sing-along moments. Light Across The Water is a smouldering and emotional peak in the record while Leopards is a folky finale, pervaded by the luscious harmonies that have come to define this band, its soaring climax is a perfect end to a deeply considered album.