One thing that strikes you about Ian McCulloch these days is how much fun he seems to be having. If on tour with his main band Echo and the Bunnymen or hitting the clubs with his old mate Ian Brody to offer up stripped down versions of his songs (review on this site), McCulloch seems to have lightened up and even if he does have that old scowl, this time its more ironic and knowing.
What we have here then are two albums which in a way represent where McCulloch as a person stands now. The first, Holy Ghosts is a live recording of the Union Chapel gig he did with an orchestra and the second, a solo album. An easy sell for his new songs you may think, but what a bargain if that is the case.
Holy Ghosts captures one of those moments when magic happens at a gig. All the requisite details were there to start with, the orchestra, the venue and of course the songs, but on any given night umpteen things could go wrong. It is testament to Youth's production that this is now saved for posterity.
One listen to the majestic 'Bring on the Dancing Horses' allays all fears of overkill. Having toured Ocean Rain with an orchestra, McCulloch understands how to utilise them and they never ever seem to become intrusive. 'Horses' is perhaps the most overly orchestral with other songs having mild flourishes. The majority rely on acoustic guitars and that voice.
A wide selection is played covering Bunnymen classic such as 'Rescue', solo gems like 'Candleland' and even a run through of the title track of his new solo album. It is the aforementioned Bunnymen songs which you really want to hear though, and they don't disappoint. Possibly the most surprising is the ubiquitous 'Nothing Ever Lasts Forever' which becomes an ode to Wilson Pickett halfway through and gives a whole new perspective on the song.
Following this with a new solo album was always going to be a tough call and whilst it may not reach the heady heights of Holy Ghosts, Pro Patria Mori is still a very good addition to the McCulloch legacy. Much lighter in tone than later Bunnymen albums, this is the sound of McCulloch cutting loose and having fun (that word again). Almost skeletal in delivery, the music relies heavily on synthesisers with McCulloch enjoying wordplay over this. 'Empty as a House' soars whilst 'Fiery Flame' dances about. It is the title track which takes your breath away though with its drum machine pattern, jaunty vocal and church choir background (imagine Rebecca from Golden Fable singing on this). It sends shivers down you spine.
All in all, a fantastic package which will delight McCulloch fans even if it does not win any new ones. A shame as there is much to be happy about here and while living up to a legendary status seems to suit Ian McCulloch these days, at least he is doing it on his terms and having fun.
