On his second album with The Fat Rubber Band, veteran Australian raconteur Tex Perkins (Beasts of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea) proves just how well he can fare at low volumes and in close quarters. Recorded in drummer/producer Roger Bergodaz’s home studio, Other World also shines a spotlight on the talents of guitarist Matt Walker, bassist Steve Hadley, and percussionist Evan Richards, each boasting at least 40 years of experience in music. The Stones-esque “(I Wanna Be) Close To You” especially showcases the range of Walker’s textured slide work, alongside Richards’ subtler contributions to the whole affair’s low-slung vibe. As for Perkins, he delivers the opening love song “Brand New Man” at almost a whisper, while “Pretty Damn Close” sees him playfully dub himself “a long-laying lounge lizard” who’s nearing rock bottom. The evocative “Around the World” features guest writer and vocalist Lucie Thorne alongside saw player Charlie Barker, and the closing “Words Fall” rides a supple bass-and-piano groove right into the expansive night. Despite achieving great success performing the songs of Johnny Cash via elaborate live shows, Perkins reminds us here that he can dial it right back and still devastate us with the smoky weight of his baritone murmur alone.