Many in High Places Are Not Well

HIM's line-up is always changing, but it is a comfort to see some past alumni making repeat appearances. Saxophonist Carlo Cennamo is just the right side of abstract while Rob Mazurek (Isotope 217, Chicago Underground Duo/Quartet) on cornet lends his inimitable soft touch. Bassist Fred Erskine and Mice Parade's Adam Pierce are also present, the latter providing a second drummer for Scharin to push and pull rhythms across bar lines. Many In High Places… sees HIM in their biggest line-up to date, with the lush strings of Julie Liu (as heard on Jim O'Rourke releases) and the addition of vocals, sung either as wordless sounds or in mumbled French. With a group identity brought to the fore, and endless meandering solos gladly absent, the musicianship on this record is left to astound. --Robert Smoughton