And Nothing Hurt is Spiritualized’s first album since 2012’s Sweet Heart Sweet Light and it’s fair to say that it’s been well worth the wait from a man who has had even more precarious health issues than Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan over the years. Often sounding like Lou Reed backed by Dusty Springfield’s 60s band with a heavy leaning towards songs of heartbreak and redemption, it is certainly a fine addition to the band’s catalogue.
That said, while previous Spiritualized discs have at least given the impression of ensemble pieces, And Nothing Hurt feels more like a Jason Pierce solo album, and so it proves with the former J Spaceman playing pretty much all the instruments, singing and producing. That’s not to say that Pierce has taken on any unexpected drill or r’n’b influences, though. And Nothing Hurt doesn’t stray far from the Spiritualized template that has pretty much been in place since the band’s 1990 debut.
Wall of sound-like orchestral backing and hints of country rock are the main features of the melodic pallet here, while the gospel choirs of previous discs are largely absent. Mellow and down-tempo on the likes of “A Perfect Miracle” and “The Prize”, while incorporating country stylings and soulful horns on “Here It Comes (The Road) Let’s Go”, it’s pretty laidback stuff. That’s not to say that Pierce doesn’t get lively at points and “On the Sunshine” with its wailing saxophone and “The Morning After” with its shades of the Velvet Underground’s “What Goes On” and bluesy harmonica provide a bit of heft.
In these chaotic times, it’s nice to have some constants and Spiritualized’s blissful sound is one of them. And as an invitation to lie back and let the worries of the world wash over you after a hard day, And Nothing Hurt is just the job.
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