King Creosote - To Deal With Things

Mention King Creosote to most people and they will tell you he’s released more than 40 albums. While it is true, its repetition does not do him justice. It suggests his prolific song writing is somewhat a gimmick. As if he’s just churning tracks out like notches on a musical bedpost and the content is no matter.

It would be fair to say appreciation of Mr Creosote, or Kenny Anderson, was reserved for a smaller corner before he joined forces with electronic wizard Jon Hopkins and released Mercury Prize-nominated album ‘Diamond Mine’. But now, having already released an album since then, Anderson can make his own waves. ‘To Deal With Things’ succinctly showcases his incredible versatility and character.

‘Ankle Shackles’, the 12-minute opening track, is a perfect example of Anderson’s ability to build tension and atmosphere with such simple melodies. His soft, Scottish accent cracking at the high notes is enough to induce goosebumps, but it’s the unexpected drums that’ll really get you.

The remaining two of tracks of the EP are almost like Anderson boasting about his range. ‘The Right Form’ is closer to a melancholy pop song while ‘What Exactly Have You Done’ is a positive barn dance of guilt and escapism. It’s like Anderson’s deliberately tried to take you from sitting alone, crying contemplating love, life and death to dancing around the room like a fool dressed only in your novelty long johns in three songs just to show you that’s what he can do. He’s made a fool of all of us. But I’m ok with it.