If the name Kevin Tihista means little to you, it shouldnt - the experienced American singer-songwriter has been knocking out albums for over a decade now and hasnt set the world alight in the UK, despite the bigger ambitions of his previous albums. His first new album since 2005, On This Dark Street has a title that suggests its creator has recently been up a few unlit avenues himself, full of demons, heartbreaks and bitterness as reflected in some of his barbed lyrics.
Allegedly rejecting his love of metal for British new-wave back in the 80s, there is something of arch sulky-chops Morrissey about Tihista an early lyrical couplet reads, Now theres a million reasons why she is leaving/number one she hates the fact I am breathing/not to mention all the drugging and drinking/well, to me thats just a typical evening. With words like that, you just have to go with him on this journey of darkness-dressed-up-as-delightful, for as long as possible. And then there is the music the opening song that contains those lyrics, Taking It To The Streets (Again), wouldnt sound amiss on a Richard Hawley album, Coles Corner perhaps. Strings and twinkly guitars carry the whole thing through as Kevin sings in a sweet voice, not unlike Elliot Smith in tone, but not before perversely introing the entire album with a misguided 40 seconds of depression.
Thankfully Tihista doesnt shoot his artistic load from the off Bats is surely a single-in-waiting, as well as North Carolina which reminds me of Diamonds and Pearls by Prince for some reason (remember, this is an album of alternative soft-rock, rather than fidgety 80s disco), In Dreams (the track that kick-started his UK label into pushing for an album you can hear why) and the closing jaunty shuffle of Country Road, which reminds me of an under-rated 80s surf-pop outfit called The Sneetches, is yearning for some airplay on BBC6 Music. Hint, hint.
In truth, there really isnt a poor song on here, or even a middle-of-the-road one, because you get the feeling that every track has been lovingly crafted and hand-picked for your delectation, dear listener. Only Dont Let Him In borders on the mawkish, although its unsettling lyrics concerning a man pacing outside the window as his fathers truck has broken down miles away, his mother crying, him crying and knocking his mother down onto the kitchen floor soon puts paid to any visions of having a jolly knees-up. The bit where the young boy points a knife under this mans chin, keeps you riveted, if little else.
On This Dark Street is an honest collection of soap-opera, screenplay and storylines that wouldnt look out of place in a Coen Brothers comedy with its engaging bitterness and charm that is thoroughly worth having in your life. Kevin Tihistas name should now mean something to you.