Karny Sutra

Luther & Toby Dammit’s debut, now on vinyl, is built around three things: the sweep of a Hammond B3, the atmosphere of old horror cinema reaching back to Murnau, and the wonderfully kitsch charge created when those worlds meet.

At heart it’s a B3-and-drums duo, with Luther Hawkins also playing acoustic and electric piano, clavinet and other keyboards, while Toby Dammit, also known as Larry Mullins of Bad Seeds and Swans, adds concert percussion for extra drama.

Waltzes, marches and dances drift through the record, often sounding like they’re soundtracking creatures not quite human. Highlights include Lucrezia Borgia Waltz, Hombres Machos and King’s Triad. The artwork is just as striking, with cover paintings by Christian Clayton and Rob Clayton, photographs by William Mortenson, and collages by Michael Criley. A perfect Halloween-night listen.