The second album by Dogkennel Hill, originally released in 2005.
Here's one of many glowing reviews.
 
At the moment it's taking a little while for me to catch up on all the CDs I've been sent, I like to listen to a CD a few times before I sit down in front of the computer. Every time I've sat down to review this album I've found myself sitting back and just listening to the dark tales.
 
Now I have to be honest I was a little oblivious to Dogkennel Hill before receiving this release, but after a little bit of research I've been left a little shell shocked, you see it turns out that Dogkennel Hill were formed by a couple of former members of rockers The Quireboys (and if you don't know them, then shame on you), only this sounds nothing like that band whatsoever.
 
All The King's Horses is the groups second album, which has taken three years since the first, due to various touring commitments and a line-up change but (even thought I've not heard the first, but will certainly be tracking it down) this has been well worth the wait.
 
Dogkennel Hill lurk where alternative country, rock and film noir meet, a dark sinister landscape that's populated by the likes of Nick Cave and Johnny Dowd. The opening number Little Matters sets the tone, it's a slow brooding number that equally menaces and entrances the listener, the instrumentation is sombre and the vocals a dark croon.
Broad Church is a little more of a rocker but you can hardly call it upbeat as the band weave an intoxicating spell.
Drink is perhaps the darkest ode to drinking ever known to man, violin, keyboards and haunting backing vocals provide the stark sound whilst frontman Tim Bewlay provides the blackened croon.
Heavy Metal Lover is certainly a great deal rockier than anything that's preceded it, in contrast it moves along at a decent pace and yet the ominous keyboards still provide that sinister edge, whilst the vocals bring to mind that of Iggy Pop (Avenue B circa).
 
Miracle does offer up a little salvation and hope, the music is less sparse, a combination of pedal steel, piano and superb siren like backing vocals prove to be an enthralling and even uplifting mix. Judas offers up a new twist to the Dogkennel Hill sound with added refrained electronic beats joining the mix that along with the vocals give the song something of a Bowie tinge, it's a fantastic brooding number that's full of emotion and heart.
 
Each time I've listened to All The King's Horses I've enjoyed it more, it's a superb dark, aching album from start to finish that I can't recommend enough.

Reviewer: Will Munn (Rhythm and Booze) October 2005