FRANK BLACK AND THE CATHOLICS
Devil's Workshop (Sonic Unyon)
Black Letter Days (Sonic Unyon)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

Following Tom Waits' lead, Frank Black unleashes a couple of brilliant records in unison. As hinted at with recent efforts, Frank is dabbling with the Southern American Gothic sound of the Gun Club, quite thoughtful since Jeffrey Lee Pierce is no longer around to carry on the legacy. Full moon, whisky and moving on songs; you get the drift. Devil's Workshop is the beautiful, colourful studio record, full of haunting slide guitars, ominous organ fills and Frank's glorious voice right up front. Black Letter Days is the conjoined twin, cut directly to tape with the band in full throttle. Like the cover, it is black and white simple, immediate, grainy, and just to complete the cycle of this here story, contains a coupla kickin' versions of Tom Waits' "Black Rider."

© 2002 - John Sekerka