> Album review: Baxter Dury - The Night Chancers - SNACK: Music, film, arts and culture magazine for Scotland

Listen to Everybody Wants to Play the Hits.
Scotland's New Music Podcast where we chat about this month's new releases.

Album review: Baxter Dury – The Night Chancers

Baxter Dury Night Chancers

 

Baxter Dury Night Chancers
Image credit: Tom Beard

Remember to wash your hands. That’s good advice right now, but it’s also an immediate reaction to being exposed to the grimy, seedy and scummy setting of The Night Chancers. For an album that is so murky, you have to say it’s immaculate.

Opener ‘I’m Not Your Dog’ is a throbbing electro-experience, cinematic in its style. ‘Samurai’ lounges and coquettishly simmers while ‘Daylight’ is the pause to say goodbye when the night clicks over to morning that the record deserves. For a 30-minute album, it’s tightly packed yet so neatly concise that there’s barely a wasted breath or misplaced sneer.

And yet, avoiding the melancholic yet sweet finale of ‘Daylight’ by bringing it back around with ‘Say Nothing’ not only creates a more fitting end to the record, but it also showcases Baxter’s skill as a writer; and as a voyeur of the human spirit.

There’s more voices, more sleaze, and lots more ways to immerse yourself in situations so vividly painted, and you’ll forever be looking over your shoulder to see who is creeping up behind. Baxter has always had a way with words

If you’re familiar with Baxter’s last few albums, prepare yourself for a record that’s at least as good as those, and one that bears repeated listening. If this is your first chance to sample the delights of Mr Dury, you’re in for a treat; and remember, Baxter loves you.

The Night Chancers is out now on Heavenly Recordings

Baxter Dury

You May Also Like

SAY Award 2021 Nominations Open + 2 New Prizes

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland’s national music prize, returns for its ...

Gig Review: Lewis McLaughlin – CCA, 20th January 

After a breakout 2022 for Lewis McLaughlin featuring his debut album, Feel The Ground ...

Deer Leader releases new Album

Album Review: Deer Leader – We’ve Met Before, Haven’t We?

Deer Leader have developed a decent reputation for sonic landscapes that move you or ...