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Aug 29, 2019 Web Exclusive By Austin Trunick

From its opening notes, When We Are Inhuman establishes a sound that’s lush and autumnal yet warmly worn free of polish, like a piece of finely crafted antique furniture. It’s a well-suited match for the voice of mercurial indie nomad Will Oldham (aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy). On this album—his first of what’s been a relatively slow year for the prolific singer/songwriter—he collaborates with The National’s Bryce Dessner and modern classical ensemble Eighth Blackbird, who have composed new arrangements for familiar tracks from Oldham’s back catalog and folk murder ballads provided by Dessner.

With Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy functioning as the album’s “star power,” we’re approaching it within the context of his output—where it stands up well. Eighth Blackbird transform the ramshackle Viva Last Blues classic “New Partner” into something more celebratory; Superwolf‘s “Beast for Thee” becomes more lavish with an absolutely gorgeous string accompaniment. It’s the Blue Lotus Feet EP’s “One with the Birds” that shows the most creativity in its new form: it’s accompanied by Peter and the Wolf-like embellishments, using instrumental trills to mimic the sounds of various birdsongs.

His devoted followers/collectors will find plenty to like here in this convergence of talents, as this group’s interpretations of the murder ballads work as well as their new takes on the Oldham originals. Meanwhile the live, 16-minute recording of composer Julius Eastman’s instrumental “Stay On It” which closes the album fails to fit in line quite as well. Less dedicated fans who prefer to cherry-pick the best releases which float to the top of Oldham’s flowing river of output may want to keep waiting, as this is more of a compelling curiosity than a cohesive album. (www.37d03d.com)

Author rating: 6/10