After a career as expansive as that of Ron S. Peno, every new release could be regarded as formulaic and filed away on the CD rack without much thought. But not so. Died Pretty have been confined to the history books and The Superstitions have reinvigorated Peno. Almost in a way analogous to the Grinderman project for one N. Cave. Less raucous than early Died Pretty, Peno now delivers his cathartic blasts in a more regal manner. For example the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde element that occurs midway through Call Your Name.
Destination Unknown flickers along like a continuum of The Love Song. Feels So Cold trembles in the anticipation of an ardent suitor. But unlike the trademark of the aforementioned Cave, a mournful baritone delivered by a tall bloke in a dark suit, Peno adds a splash of colour to the ensemble. Flanked by Cam Butler and Tim Deane, exuding a similar sartorial elegance of a certain style, Peno is able to call upon the solid backing of Mark Dawson and Andy Papadopoulos.
In a more considered creative phase, Peno now jumps into the pit of torment that is Myself In Thee to face the tribulations of a forsaken life, and then clamber onto a comfy armchair and deliver Oh Life with equally committed flair. The record therefore sounds as strong as it should as it is played by men that have decades of experience. Monumental for its assured vocals and musicianship, Anywhere And Everything Is Right takes you somewhere pleasant.
The Superstitions, like their leader, give a measured performance that does not devolve into hysteria surrounded by scalding guitar and organ as could so easily have been the case if the band was typecast. Similarly, Peno repositions himself and boils and broods as often as he bawls. As can be expected Anywhere And Everything Is Right hits the motherload of forging a way forward with the benefit of appreciating its past.
BY BRONIUS ZUMERIS
Best Track: Call Your Name
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Jimmy Webb, The Doors, Gene Pitney, Tom Jones
In A Word: Touching
