The Reid Brothers are back for the 8th album of their 40-year career. For me, the album they are always measured against is "Darklands" as it was my introduction to the band and the most sullen of their work. This album does touch on their more depressive side at times but finds them employing a wide range of moods. It opens with a rather upbeat pulse. It is more experimental in a different way. It sounds like they are toying around with synths and effects. Jim's voice sounds ageless, with his hushed dusky muttering. Lyrically things are brilliant.
On the second song lies hints of their punk-influenced beginnings. The Brothers mentioned how jazz influenced the making of this album, and it does not make sense until hearing the subtleties of "Mediterranean X Film". This is most profoundly felt in the drumming that comes from Suede / Elastica drummer Justin Welch. "jamcod' was the lead single for this album. It is a somewhat deceptive illusion as to where the album goes as it winks in the direction of its more classic sound. It is very well written and I can understand why this was picked. I prefer the plan muted tension of "Discotheques". It feels more post-punk in many ways.
They cruise into a fuzzed-out drone for "Pure Poor". Which finds some cool sounds being used, but is not as well written as their homage to classic rock 'The Eagles and the Beatles". That is even taking into consideration the song's more Joan Jett-like chord progression. "Sliver Strings" is a return to the palm-muted tension, which still works even they go to the well with it once more. I like the more revered out-guitar tone on this one. "Chemical Animal' is a powerful reflection on drug use. In contrast "Second of June" is much more hopeful and almost upbeat. Though it does linger on a droning guitar line. touch o
They crank a riff that has more in common with "Livin' After Midnight" on "Girl 71" . The last song is an obvious tribute to the Velvet Underground, though it does drift off into a more shoe-gazing brand of indie rock. This album might not be as good as "Dark Lands" but it does find the band being just as vital as ever and sounding less encumbered by age than their peers. I will give it a 9.5.
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