The Sideshow Tragedy

(Nondescript)

The Sideshow Tragedy’s first two discs found them traveling from explosive to overblown. Their latest is a return to frontman Nathan Singleton’s more melodic tendencies, combining Chris Whitley’s blues and the Waterboys’ anthems into something that’s distinctive, dark, and ultimately uplifting. For the first time, the trio accurately captures their live show frenzy, and tunes such as “Metaphors of Madness” and “No Explanations” finally display the maturity and verve the bandmates have always had in them.

***.5

This article appears in August 13 • 2010.

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