The Hungry Saw came out in Europe in April 2008 via Beggars Banquet. Constellation released it in North America in September 2008.

Staunch republicans that we are, we’ll avoid references to “musical royalty” provided by the Beggars Banquet PR department. However, we’ll readily agree that there is something masterful, authoritative, wise, world-weary and maybe even a bit regal about the Tindersticks sound – elements that are all in full and fine effect on this album. But if the band wears capes, they nicked them, threw them around in the dirt some, and have since subjected them to many a wine stain and cigarette burn. Their crowns are homemade from scavenged metals, held together with wire and twine.

The Hungry Saw was a true return to form for the band, after a five year hiatus. In that time, front-man Stuart Staples relocated to France and built his own Chien Chanceux recording studio, where this album was made (co-recorded and mixed by Staples himself). Original members Staples, David Boulter and Neil Fraser were augmented by the rhythm section of Tim Belhom (drums) and Dan Mckinna (bass). A long list of guest players was also included in the sessions, and the record – while cloaked in the inimitably beautiful, tempered melancholy and delicate irony that has marked the band’s past ouevre – also bristles with renewed energy, focus, experimentation and yes, even playfulness. A welcome return by one of the most interesting and literate English bands of the last two decades.