From Pop Culture Press, SXSW Issue 1992
Course of Empire
Zoo
These guys spin noisily, crazy like a racecar in slow-mo instant replay; to
experience the violence and macabre thrill shouldn't be so entrancing, but it is.
They're not as over the top as Ministry; the record merely hints at things dark
and dank with a slightly Poe-ish and poetic lyrics, fighter jet guitars and
drums from hell, courtesy of Anthony Headley and Chad Lovell. Based in Dallas,
C of E sounds European, from the Moody Blues-y narration of "Ptah" (like "ptooey"
perhaps?) to the critical perspective of "God's Jig." The key to their appeal
lies in great part with the heavy toms/white noise guitar, though the songs are
intense in themselves. Though they never lighten up on the record, see them do
"We Got the Beat" some night and decide for yourself whether they have a sense
of humor. Good music for a bad mood. (Brian Briscoe)
(
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/club) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)