The disturbing Happy And Bleeding follows, once again blending images of love and subjugation. It sits awkwardly alongside Sheela Na Gig , another pre-album single which celebrates righteously enraged womanhood and is vividly illuminated by contrasting moments of noise and calm. Hair reprises scenes from the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah over a complex guitar and drum pattern, then leads into the rich imagery of Joe , which is almost washed away by the demented thrash metal riff and Harvey's wailing delivery. On Plants And Rags , however, with additional guitar by Mike Paine, the eerie lyrics cut right through the mix. Charles Dickie's cello part is almost frightening.
Fountain is another desperate tale of sex and loss, told over a brooding, restrained guitar line.
It leads into the big finale, Water , which boasts an intricate, staggering guitar riff, unfathomable lyrics that hint at divinity and suicide, and a slow swelling from its almost whispered introduction to a final cataclysm that leaves the ears ringing and pulse racing. For the most part, Dry has a close, confessional feeling and an air of sanity on the verge of collapse. Stripped down to bare bones, the music maintains a respectful distance, giving the thoughtful images and cries of outrage in the songs the opportunity to penetrate and remain in the mind. When Harvey and the band let rip, they created a sound of elemental power.