Neko Case has always been difficult to pigeon hole, allowing her a certain sense of freedom to record when and what she likes. The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, her sixth studio album, is more abrasive and confrontational than previous work. An album recorded in the midst of personal grief and adversity, songs start and stop without warning ('Wild Creatures' ends abruptly with the heartbreaking lyrics “there’s no Mother’s hand to quiet me”) but her voice is as strong as always, forcing you to listen to the hard truths and sad lives.
Key tracks are 'Night Still Comes' which weaves rock anthem and gospel nicely together with its stirring chorus, and 'Man' which simply kicks ass with its scathingly brilliant lyrics and regular recording buddy M Ward providing the glorious guitar solos. Final track 'Ragtime' is a brass filled joy; a powerful end to what is an emotional rollercoaster of an album. Another compelling album to add to her ever growing arsenal; The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You is not always easy listening but it is always worth listening to.
