ISOBEL CAMPBELL & MARK LANEGAN

Hawk

[Vanguard]

The third album from ex-Belle & Sebastian chamber folk-popper Isobel Campbell and former Screaming Trees grunge growler Mark Lanegan offers something old and something new. “We Die and See Beauty Reign” and “Time of the Season” definitely maintain the duo’s prior modus operandi–dark, languid duets that balance Lanegan’s whiskey-and-gravel vocals with Campbell’s more gossamer tones. But they also explore other directions on Hawk. The bluesy “You Won’t Let Me Down Again” and the roadhouse stomp of “Get Behind Me” bring on welcome boosts in the energy level. A soulful vibe warms “Come Undone” and “Lately,” while the Celtic-flavored “Eyes of Green” helps to lighten the mood. Willy Mason handles vocals on a pair of tunes, including a nice, spare rendition of “No Place to Fall” (one of two Townes Van Zandt covers). While less cohesive than their earlier efforts, the latest from Campbell and Lanegan signals interesting future directions. –Michael Berick