After spending nearly two decades as a reliable concert draw playing the old hits to crowds happy to hear them, the Psychedelic Furs decided as the 2010s came to a close that the time was right to record some new music. After two quick sessions spent recording a few older, but mostly newly written, songs, the bands eighth album, Made of Rain, was ready to share with the outside world. Its a largely melancholy record that doesnt harken back to their nervy post-punk days, or their shimmering synth pop days, or even their dance-rock heyday. Instead, they go for a spit-shined modern sound that is sure to sound good in large halls and small arenas. The powerful rhythm section, subtle keyboard flourishes, and layers of guitars provide a suitably dramatic backdrop for Richard Butlers impressionistic lyrics and impressively unchanged vocals. His world-wearily sardonic vocals sounded old before their time when he was young; now that his age and voice finally match, they sound remarkably sprightly and powerful. His nimble phrasing and cockeyed asides are still magical after many decades, and even if the music on Made of Rain isnt always as inspiring, his presence alone makes it worth hearing. The standout tracks like the ruefully soaring Wrong Train or the darkly tough Dont Believe have the same spark as the bands best work, matching Butlers voice with impassioned and jaggedly forceful music. Strong ballads like Ash Wednesday and Stars have a subtle touch that allows the full power of Butlers yearning vocals to cut through the mix. A full album of songs with this kind of energy and/or feeling would have been a miracle; its not surprising that it falls a little short. Too many songs hang around in a kind of midtempo gloom that gets a little heavy, and instead of using the saxophone to provide texture, Mars Williams soloing wrests the spotlight away from Butler far too often. These minor issues aside, Made of Rain is a fine and sometimes inspired comeback. It may not be Talk Talk Talk, Pt. 2 or Forever Now again, but it proves the Furs still have plenty of life left in them, and its always nice to hear Richard Butlers voice no matter what the setting. ~ Tim Sendra

Rovi