‘SONIC TEMPLE’ - A Selective Look At The Alternative Rock World’s Most Recent Releases.

BENT USA - 'As You Like'

Bleep, bleep and more bleep. Goodbye Industrial, hello EBM. It seems that its all we're getting in gothic clubland these days. A once exciting new scene has sort of become a self parody of itself. OK so there may be exceptions (Covenant, VNV Nation), but for the most part EBM just strikes me as an attempt to launch what is for the most part just average euro dance music on an impartial crowd. Which is why it so good to hear some GUITARS on an industrial release such as Bent USA's latest 'As You Like'. Not wanting to sound too Beavis and Butthead, but THIS ROCKS! Not to say that it wouldn't work on a dancefloor, there's electronic rhthyms a plenty, but these are coated in surging walls of guitars. Think Rammstein jamming with an overactive Sigue Sigue Sputnik.It has its spooky moments too though, 'Daddy' with its samples of a woman recounting the sexual abuse she suffered as a child it particularly unsettling. In light of all the B grade dance music that I've had to review in recent times, I wasn't particularly looking forward to this CD, but its one that I'd eagerly recommend to anyone who wants a reminder of where it all began. Be sure to catch Bent USA next time they're this way playing live, as their singer Thrush is also a fan of wearing some rather drafty trousers!

At a time when all is quiet from Sulpher (not so long ago the great white (black?) hope of industrio metal), Bent USA look like they just might be the band to carry on waving the flag for 'real' music.

Contact - www.i2i-technology.com/bent

HALOBLACK - 'Throb'

It's a bit hard for me to talk about 'Throb' by Haloblack without using the word "minimalist". So there you go: minimalist. Oh, and "electro". Everything comes through a barrage of lo-fi distortion that lends the album a very raw, warped and bleak sound. Guest vocals are provided on the track 'Punch the Deck' by Raymond Watts of KMFDM and PIG-fame, while Arianne Schreiber provides sultry, sleazy-type vocals for 'Junky'. 'Throb' is perhaps an apt name for this work, as the experience of listening to it  evokes what it might be like to spend a day on drugs in a small room, with only your own distorted stream of consciousness for company - or perhaps listening to just the throb of your own blood in your veins. The lyrics have a nice, cut-up sort of quality and they are delivered by voices that almost seem to melt like honey over the jagged electronica and the end result is pleasing to the ear in a distinctly *wrong* sort of way! (Review by Howard Gardner)

Contact - www.armalyte.co.uk

FLAMING JUNE - 'Bright Shiny Things' EP

Perhaps Flaming June aren't as haunting as they once were, but their new up front approach is most welcome and the deep layers of passion which characterised 'Rejoice' are still ever present. If anything, the romantic delivery of songs such as the title track mask the deep-rooted emotions contained within. FJ can weave songs of desperation and lust and still tug gently at our heartstrings . Were Nick Cave to sing 'The Twister', he'd be sure to end up with a torch welding mob of the Moral Right gathered outside his home!   

Flaming June have a London date scheduled very soon, lets just hope that the right A&R man is amongst what is guaranteed to be a very lucky (and very satisfied) audience.

Contact - Flaming June, 11 Field Terrace Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0AD.

http://www.flamingjune.co.uk

HISTORY OF GUNS - ‘Disconnect EP’ (The Liquid Lens Recording Company)

the saddest thing is that so many ‘artists’ (and I use that term loosely) are becoming reliant on technology to such a point that it becomes a crutch that hinders the progress of new ideas and originality. Preset sounds almost rule the roost now, to such a point that it’s easy to long for the edgy looseness that so many bands possessed at their genesis.

Fortunately, it appears that Hertford’s History of Guns agree with me. Theirs is a slick brand of electro terrorism that forgoes the over relied upon Cubase backing of every other electro-industrial act to give us a result that it closer to the jack hammer rhythms of early Killing Joke. The lack of sheen gives tracks such as ‘Burn’ and ‘Fifty Seven Days’ a ragged attitude that makes up for what it lacks in sheen with a gnarling menace that’s guaranteed to get under your skin. 

Despite the aggressive emotions on display, ‘Disconnect’ is very listenable EP. Like early nineties indie-stalwarts such as Therapy? during their ‘Pleasure Death’ period, History Of Guns know how to blast your skull inside out whilst still leaving you enough brain cells to remember how great the experience was. Proof that classic tracks come not by pushing the right buttons, but determination and a lot of heart. 

Contact- History of Guns c/o The Liquid Recording Company, P O Box 165, Hertford, SG13 7ZN.

www.historyofguns.com

HISTORY OF GUNS - 'The Mirror Pond EP'

It's been quite a ride for History of Guns since we reviewed their last CD. Acclaim across the board appears to be the order of the day for these boys. From the evidence presented of their latest CD 'The Mirror Pond EP' looks like this following looks like it can only grow. The production values this time are far higher, with tracks like 'Moonburn' hinting at a more trance-like dance friendly sound. High point for me though was the unnamed sixth track on the CD, which is all industrial feedback and circa '83 hammerhead beats a'la Killing Joke.  Could History of Guns turn out to be the male fronted Curve for the noughties?

(See above for contact details)

FLAMING JUNE - 'Bad Dreams'

It’s been so long since we heard from Flaming June; I was severely worried that they had split up. When last we encountered them with the ‘Rejoice’ EP it was in Vision Thing’s Luddite days as an ink and paper fanzine. At the time we were blown away by their shimmering glacial folk pop embraced by one of the sweetest female vocals we had ever heard. Yet despite the beauty of their sound, it was tinged with a complex sadness, which made them stand out amongst the dross of hippy folk, and we had no arguments about hailing them (as did many others) as an All About Eve for the new millennium. In the three years since, the band have been far from quiet, touring the UK (including a support slot for the UK Subs!) appearing on TV show ‘Young Gifted and Broke, and building up a following that includes James Whale (That being the same DJ who threw Wayne Hussey off his TV show back in the eighties!). Now the band have decided to release their long awaited follow up ‘Bad Dreams’

It’s obvious form the start that the Flaming June have evolved and changed. The opening title track is a key indication of this, being vastly stripped down in comparison to past outings. The guitar work is restrained, allowing the rhythm section to give the band a darker edge. One constant throughout is the angelic tones of Louise Hamilton, which given a tighter frame to work in are only heightened to new stratospheres.

Overall, there’s none of the feed back charge of ‘Rejoice’, but the band only excel in turning this to their advantage with moody textures of Celtic folk creating far more intensity than a thousand guitar surges. The closest reminder of the past is the playful riff of ‘Devil’s Daughter’, but this track walks on an abyss rather than a cloud. Nick Cave would be proud.

‘Bad Dreams’ doesn’t carry the listener away to a peaceful slumber in the way ‘Rejoice’ did, instead it opens up the darker part of psyche that we only experience in the twilight hour. After listening to this EP, it’s a place you’ll no doubt want to visit time and time again.

Contact - Flaming June, 11 Field Terrace Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0AD.

http://www.flamingjune.co.uk

THE CHAOS ENGINE- 'Escape Ferocity'

With  'Escape Ferocity' the gap between the live and recorded Chaos Engine has begun to narrow. The addition of new bass player Vere Kervorkian and guitarist Rawbin99 have contributed more fluidity to this 23 (!) track opus. Add this newly found organic aspect to the band's material with Lee H's amazing vocals and we're left with quite a storming brew.  Standouts include 'Rebellion Lite' which sounds like Marilyn Manson going head to head with a ZX Spectrum and the 242 derived death disco of 'Custom Built For Anger'. 'Escape Ferocity' is the Chaos Engine's strongest collection of  songs yet. Far more deserving of a space on the decks of the average industrial DJ than most of the wannabe Gay disco that's doing the rounds these days. What with Mesh, Mothburner and the Chaos Engine there's definitely something mind expanding in the water down  West Country way. 

Info- The Chaos Engine, P.O. Box 270, Cheltenham, GL51 9YE. www.chaosengine.com

ACTION DIRECTE-  'Bloc Rocking Beats'

But  this band are no idyll dance floor filler- static gothic guitar scrapes are in abundance and lyrically these boys are less than shy about their left wing views, evoking a kind of spirit not seen since the glory days of New Model Army.

A few seconds into the totalitarian marching beats  that begin lead track 'Anthem Of Youth' and you know these boys mean business. Punchy and hard, 'Bloc Rocking Beats' still possesses an ear friendly bent (After all if you're going to make people think about your argument, you have to get their attention first) and unlike many of their contemporaries A D realise that too much time spent on production can smother an initially powerful track, leaving us with a very edgy and raw end result  that gets into the listener's system, whilst still gnawing at their insides.

In an age where bands choose their agenda by shopping at the clothes stalls in Camden market, Action Directe's socio political referendum is a refreshing boot up the posterior. It's EBM Jim, but not as we know it!

Action Directe- Joel @ A.D. HQ, 48 Blackmoor Court, Leeds, LS17 7RS

http://www.actiondirecte.co.uk

SUPERYOB-  Promo CD

It's vaguely anti social and anti convention  in a way that the Damned were (and still are), but like the Damned, you know that under all the mayhem there's in fact a talented bunch keeping some truly catchy tunes together. The Vocals recall the late, great Ian Dury, and give the band that charming salt-of-the-earth quality that so many punk bands are missing in abundance these days. If you'd rather hear songs about punk rock radio and dodgy dealings by Costa Del Sol villains than the usual teen angst drivel that nearly everybody else with access to guitars and drums is producing these days, Superyob are without a doubt your three chord saviors.

Superyob- P.O. Box 26535, London SE3 9WS

www.superyob.com   

LADYTRON - ‘604’ (Invicta Hi Fi)

However, in Ladytron’s case even the Times has been singing their praises, so could they really be they key holders to the gates of a second golden age of electronica? Simply put, do the two boys and two girls and their arsenal of moog synths live up to the hype that they’ve had heaped upon them? In a nutshell, no. Whilst comparisons to Kraftwerk, Suicide and Depeche Mode have been aimed in Ladytron’s direction, there are in fact closer similarities to St Etienne, and if Ladytron have any references to Dusseldorf’s finest (Of which there are many) it’s more ‘Computer Love’ than ‘Trans Europe Express’ or  ‘Radioactivity’. Not to say that the band don’t have an ear for a good tune, or  the odd nod to the eighties; ‘Discotraxx’ is a fine approximation of the course that could have been steered by a more talented Visage.

‘The Way I Found You’ is that rare thing, being a song that actually starts out as annoying but soon becomes extremely catchy. Again, ‘Playgirl’ has a somewhat irritating refrain that given time reflects the finest commercial moments of early Soft Cell. If Ladytron have any problem, it’s that old chestnut of wearing your influences on your sleeve (change a few notes of  ‘He Took Her to A Movie’ and you’ll be left with a virtual cover of Kraftwerk’s ‘The Model’). And something that I personally found frustrating about the bands songs is that almost every lyric is written in the third person. Don’t ask me why, it just makes the tracks sound somewhat alien.

Ladytron aren’t the great saviours of the electronic scene that the NME would have us believe. As any body with a good set of ears knows, if you want an electronic band with great song writing ability you check out Mesh, or closer home, the Spanish Amanda (But do you really think that the NME will actually latch on to bands that already have a following?). However, whilst they may for the most part wallow in the past to much to expand fully upon it, if you want to hear a band who perfectly capture a vintage view of the future, Ladytron are still an act  worthy of your time.

Whilst the kraut rock leanings of B-Fab may win them fans amongst the muso journalists, its hard to figure out what a generation weaned on S Club 7 and Britney will make of them. But then again who gives a shit what a bunch of teenagers with no taste think? For a truly surreal glance at the disturbed psyche of the moment let the displaced momentum of B Fab surge your ears....Contact- Super Volcano, 21, Ventnor Road, Liverpool, L15 4JF. super.volcano@cableinet.co.uk

KILLY  DOG BOX-  'Against the Forgetting'

Many people question the purpose of ambient music, and when that music is of  a dark and unsettling nature it tends to polarise opinion even more. But at the end of the day, some people just like the way it sounds without reading too much into it (after all, there are no lyrics, and little in the way of  rhythm or melody to analyse). I am one of these people, and I think that  creating moods can be fun,  whether to listen to while I'm being quiet and contemplative, or to create a moody atmosphere at a themed social get-together. If you hate ambient, then skip the rest of this review - but then you're not stupid, right?

I first discovered ambient music a few years back with Selected Ambient Works Volume II by the Aphex Twin, and this album by Middlesborough's Killy Dog Box is in quite a similar vein. Through the seven tracks on the album we are bombarded with (or crept up on from behind with) throbbing machine-like clanks and hisses, distorted, unintelligable human speech, whale-song, and a whole host of sounds that you just can't identify. The effect is, for the most part, like walking around a conceptual art exhibition with a black bag over your head. Or possibly waking up and finding yourself in a David Lynch movie. And yet I've found myself wanting to play it over and over while I work for some reason. It's like it compells you to keep coming back to try and understand more...

My only criticism of this album is that some of the tracks do sound a little bit samey, as most of them rely a bit too heavily on white noise at the expense of anything more 'elaborate'.  But this doesn't diminish the album's overall effect, as it does at least remain consistent throughout. The final track 'In An Obscure Part of Heaven' stands out most for me, and it marks the end of a very scary journey indeed. (Review By Howard Gardener)

MONKEY ISLAND- 'Mussolini's teaspoons / Galileo (Ultra Recordings London)

Monkey Island specialise in precision-played punk (if that's not a contradiction in terms!) with perhaps the slightest hint of jazz. These chaps still firmly believe it is 1985, but chip menacingly through two intriguing and highly-detailed songs about Mussolini's tea-spoon collection and Galileo at work (and you can guarantee you won't get lines about how tedious "measuring the constancy of the pendulum" is in Green Day's latest offering). Interesting and lyrically adventurous, if a bit shouty. 

Best enjoyed: live in a grimy rock-club on a Saturday night, ducking flying bottles. 

Contact details: Monkey Island PO Box 12903 London N16 7JR www.monkey-island.demon.co.uk

FUNGUS-  'A fanclub would be nice' (EMI Records)

 "A fanclub would be nice" is a piece of very nice mid-paced guitar-pop which wouldn't be far out of place in the soundtrack of "Loser", "10 Things I Hate About You", or any other fruit-pie-abusing American teen film.

"Friends No Thanks" is slower and more reflective, edging slightly towards soft-rock territory. One for the bit where the hero of the film thinks that he's blown it with the heroine (come on, you know the scene!). Then "La x 10" changes the template slightly by adding sweet falsetto vocals and chiming melody to the guitar-rock. Oh, and lots of "la la la"s as well.

A good CD, which grows on you with each listen.                

Best enjoyed: pass the popcorn and enjoy the film! 

Contact details: fungus@chapter22.demon.co.uk

Dodgy Stereo Sampler-

Want to get a demo together but find that your bands' finances can't stretch to cover the various reproduction costs? Then why not club together with some like minded mates and compile a compilation of your works? That's exactly what the folks behind this Sampler have done to fine and original effect. Barryselectricworkshop kick us off with 'Please'. All the bands on this demo may hail from Ireland, but this is no U2 cover, as it's a drum machine propelled tribute to unwanted presents. Kind of silly, very oddball, but lots of fun!

The Ye Has offer some wacky Sparks style electronics on the bizarre instrumental 'Ye Ha'. Shades of early Soft Cell, sections of Trio. This eccentric electronica balances the fine line between accessible sounds and recalling the loading sequence of a Sinclair Spectrum. A spoken intro by Stephen Hawkin (Either him or a speak and spell!) begins 'It's Not Science' by The Freakquency  containing a hybrid of early eighties synth merchants- think about the results of an New Order meets OMD orgy (Now there's an unpleasant thought!) with hints of nerdy pop weirdos They Might Be Giants.

Kid Dynamo's 'Just Swell' is the most straightforward offering, mercilessly ripping off the riff to 'The Boy With The Thorn in His Side' although the voicecoder vocals are far from Morrissey. This tape may have the serial number DUDMC003 but it's far from rubbish. Arty with out being pretentious, this is a compilation that proves that not everybody has to take music seriously in order to deliver the goods. Contact-  Dodgy Stereo@ 30 Queensfort Park South, Carryduff, Belfast, BT8 8NH.

BLACKLIGHT BRAILLE- "Dietles Tavern to Shadowland"

One look at the track listing and number of musicians (16!) and you know your in for an insane listen! With titles such as "Joe Joe chopped off his toe" and "Satchel packers and trip takers" and instruments including a saw, leak rake, wooden fish (!?), washboard, stump drum and Chinesse bell tree, it is safe to assume that this is not run of the mill!

So what does it sound like? Well to be honest there's lots to admire but little to love. Based on a loose concept centred around a public house, unfortunately I can't be more specific, (like all good concept albums it is utterly incomprehensible)! There is little in the way of full blown songs here with much of the vocals in a narration style and many sound effects a'la Dark Side of the Moon and Celtic and new world sounds and influences. Also heard is the constantly clinking of glasses and pub drawl in the background - presumably for further ambience!

Unfortunately this fails to compel at over 70 minutes and you can't help feel this is too wide in scope. Nonetheless a brave attempt at grandeur on a small budget, but definitely one for the open minded! Contact; (Tape) M & E, 6 Farm Court, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 5TJ, (CD) Owen Knight, 530 Flatt Terrace, Cincinnati, OH 45232  (Review by Andy Lees)

PIGFISH-  "The Reverend James"

Talk about chalk and cheese this couldn't be more different from the previous if it tried! Remember the Epitaph pop-punk explosion in the about 1993? Well Pigfish sound from that era, although are a lot better of course!

This is an excellent 20 minutes from this 4 piece which also very much reminds me of Feeder. Vocalist Russ Frame is a definite ringer for Grant Nicholls, but this outfit are far from clones. They can write too if the likes of "5 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes" and "50 million miles away" are anything to go by, which ensures this remains in the CD changer for quite a while. There are also the more ominous tones injected occasionally, as evidenced by "Get out" which packs the necessary bite.

The production could be brighter and Mr Frame's vocals are definitely too low in the mix to these ears, but there is no need to split hairs. If this band were marketed they could be massive. Contact, e.mail pigfish@felix9320.freeserve.co.uk or www.music.mercia.org . (Review by Andy Lees)

DELICATE AWOL- "Our Genome"

This fourpiece have been listening to some of Michael Gira's post Swans recording if this CD is to go by! The horn intro definitely evokes memories of the compelling Body Lovers "Number One of Three" opus and when the acoustic graceful strum kicks in, it  the recalls the recent output by The Angels of Light, although perhaps slightly more fragile and exposed, with less of the angst.

I am told that My Bloody Valentine are a reference point and this has already been review in The Times literary section! This is not a surprise as this is quite excellent. Vocals by Caroline Ross are used sparingly but to good effect in "All lull and no storm" which reminds me of As Divine Grace's more mellow material. Much of the CD is made up of restrained guitar interchange and other splashes of colour, with its reflective tones and earthly vibe making it the perfect companion after a troubled day.

The cover is brilliant as well. A snowbound railway station with a solitary figure. Reminds me of freezing my bollocks off at Purley Oaks! Contact: www.dayrelease.com or info@dayrelease.com or telephone 020 7730 6657 (Review by Andy Lees)

REVOLVER - '4 track e.p'

Revolver are a lo-fi punk band, not dashingly original, but sound like they could be good fun live. The kind of music best listened to in a dingy club, very loudly, after 3 pints of Strong-bow (ahhh, bliss!). Best tracks: Kids next door, Criminal Looks. Contact: Revolver, PO Box 57, Bexleyheath, DA7 6ZP (Review by FASHTALI)

LESS - '"...and I'll see you never work again" Taunted Florence' 

Great cover art on the CD (they've done some terrible things to the Magic Roundabout/Rainbow puppets). Punk/Rock with a ska-influence, anyone who fondly remembers both the music and lyrical concerns of "Killing Joke" (me! me!) may find a place for this lot in their CD rack. Extra points for the track "Only Users lose drugs". Damn right, can never find an aspirin when I need one...Best tracks: 9-5 Murder, The Idea, Sharon. Contact: www.appleonline/less or less@appleonline.net   (Review by FASHTALI)

HELEN LOVE - 'Shifty Disco Girl'

This is good, clean, bitchy fun! A mix of Blondie, The Donnas and Lush into one indie-girl band. Made me want to slap on some glittery eyeshadow and go dancing (no mean feat in Reading on a wet Tuesday). They also sound like they're harder than I am, so I'll give 'em a good review if only for that. Best track: King of Kung fu, for the "standing in his bus-stop in his white pyjamas, shame he looks like the girl out of Banarama" ooh, meow! Contact: www.helenlove.com  (Review by FASHTALI)

DOWN TOWN TRASH- 'Leader of the Pack'

From the start of this mini-album to the finish, it is a highly-charged assault on the auditory centres of the brain; with bits seeping further into the frontal lobes to cause long-term havok. Heavily distorted guitar riffs clash against a hypnotic electronic soundscape, accompanied by just the sort of lyrics the twisted cover artwork seems to suggest. I would recommend this particularly to anybody who has ever admired the work of Throbbing Gristle.

If you have ever been tempted to listen to Jimi Hendrix and Sheep on Drugs albums simultaniously (and I know that many of you have considered doing this at some time), then perhaps this is the kind of effect you might create. Or perhaps something inexplicably greater...Fucked Up Records (FUR) 76 Penrhyn Road, Sheffield, S11 8UN  (Review by Howard Gardner)

 BLACKLIGHT BRAILLE- 'Black Moon Selection' 

We must all take our little moments to relax and ponder over the nature of the cosmos. And if you prefer to do this to something nice and melodic, a bit like the mellower moments of Led Zeppelin or Nick Cave, then perhaps this is ideal for you. Rock music melts into a frothy mix of new age and traditional British-style musical disciplines...

Blacklight Braille is an ensemble of twenty-one artists, with diverse talents ranging all the way from electric guitar through to the Tibetan singing bowl, and they have pulled off the admirable trick of blending their input into something consistantly listenable and highly mature. I suggest you dust off your pewter dragons and wizards this evening, pour some wine and enjoy! Vetco Enterprises, 5825 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45216

(Review by Howard Gardner)

NERO'S ACOLYTES- 'Albatrocity'

This mind-blowingly cynical post-punk group have obviously got a few bones to pick with the modern world. And rightly so! In this eighteen track album they take a shot at everything from cloning, to AIDS, to a cover version of the "Monster Mash" (very faithfully to the original too)!

A slightly more perfunctory cover of  "Venus in Furs" also makes an appearence, which is appropriate since Lou Reed's song-writing talents have obviously been an inspiration to this band. Some early Cure-esque sentiments also appear from time to time, and the penultimate track "Kiss of Death" is notable for being a surreal and genuinely chilling monologue about a coming appocalypse. 5 Chapel Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambs, CB7 5XZ (Review by Howard Gardner)

ECHO IS YOUR LOVE- 'Sheets of Blank Fucking Paper' 

Have you ever thought of the Finnish as an angry people? This compact disc oozes frustration, anger and foreboding from every indentation in its surface. Tortured PJ Harvey-style vocals combine with driving, chugging bass riffs, cymbal crashes and guitar flourishes that are often reminiscent of the Cure's earlier efforts.

It is a record of great mood swings. Some songs burn out relatively quickly in a frenzy of guitar and verbal assault, whilst others develop slowly, building up a tremendously moody ambience as they do. A fantastic cover version of "Troops of Tomorrow" by The Vibrators is an example of the latter. Scary stuff indeed...Kylie Productions, PO Box 24148, London, SW18 1WU www.kylieproductions.com, www.ifsociety.com (Review by Howard Gardner)

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