Jean-Yves Tola and Pascal Humbert form the rhythm section of 16 Horsepower, but just like David Eugene Edwards they have their own little hobby band. That band is called Lilium and Short Stories already is its second album.

Tola and Humbert are supported on Short Stories by an impressive list of guests. Besides 16 HP leader David Eugene Edwards, John Grant (The Czars), Dana Colley and Billy Conway (Morphine, Twinemen) and Tom Barman (dEUS) are in on this too. However, the biggest impression is made by two lesser-known guests. Female vocalist Kal Cahoone (Tarantella) twice sings heavenly and Daniel McMahon, known from 16 Horsepower and Woven Hand shows, does the same.

Despite working with guest vocalists Short Stories is not a hotchpotch, atmospherically all songs connect perfectly. Short Stories does make you think of the latest 16 Horsepower album somewhat, but especially the numbers sung by McMahon could also be on a Nick Cave album.

All in all Lilium manages to be very convincing. With CD's like this one we will get through this year without a proper new 16 Horsepower album (later this year the compilation album Olden will be released) very well!

4 stars (out of 5)