Brian Molko and co return with their dramatic eighth LP, the first for nine years and while one that occasionally hits the highs of the veterans’ 90s heyday, also comes repacked with a heavy dose of synths. That particular electronic element, particularly on the single Beautiful James, was inspired and directly copied from the keyboard sound on Jump by Van Halen, harking back to the 1984 release in which the guitar hero controversially returned to score a major hit by playing on another instrument. Hitting the same commercial success is unlikely, but much of this album with satisfy the indie rock cravings of old fans, with added hybrid elements, a dash of Nine Inch Nails here, a tinkle of Depeche Mode there, cyperpunk joining electro-pop on tracks such as Forever Chemicals, orchestral width on The Prodigal, broader rock on Went Missing, a strong element of The Cure on Fix Yourself, the heavily serious Happy Birthday In The Sky, about a loved on killed by a stray police bullet, the surveillance-themed Surrounded By Spies, and the post-apocalyptic Try Better Next Time. That’s just about all the issues covered. Out on So Recordings.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Feel free to recommend more new songs and albums and comment below. You can also use the contact page, or find more on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: