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Showing posts with label album reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label album reviews. Show all posts

Sunday

Killing Joke - MMXII

Is it possible for a band that's been together for over thirty years (give or take few line up meltdowns) to still be coming up with the goods?

On the evidence of 2010’s Absolute Dissent, which saw the first recordings with the original line up since Revelations (1982) then the answer has to be ‘yes’, as anyone whose witnessed the band live recently will already know.

But can they repeat the trick with MMXII?

Trailed as being their ‘end of times’ album, it could be argued it’s the album Killing Joke have been threatening to make since Jaz Coleman did a runner to Iceland back in 1982 precipitating the end of the original line up amid dark mutterings of an impending apocalypse. 

Which is a theme Jaz has returned to on more than one occasion since then, although recently, seemingly calmer and more stable than in the past, he’s moderated his views claiming we stand on the edge of a new way of living, rather than the end, lights out.

Residents of Greece for example, might even think he’s on to something...

So what does all that mean for MMXII?

April Fool?


Review to follow...

Saturday

The Stranglers - Giants

For those of us who just can't help ourselves and have to check out the numerous You Tube clips of new material prior to an album's release (yes, I know, guilty as charged!), the first thing that strikes you listening to 'Giants' is how much better than expected it sounds.

No, that's not right.  That's the second thing.  The first thing that hits you is 45 seconds into track one, when the unmistakable bass growl of JJ Burnel kicks in.  It still sounds awesome.  It is awesome!

'Another Camden Afternoon' is a lazy, lolloping instrumental opener, almost as if the band are rousing themselves and flexing their muscles.  A pleasing enough start.