A GREAT INHUMANE ADVENTURE

If you've ever wanted to hear what it sounds like when a chamber-rock group lets their hair down, look for this record. We can note that Present are having a lot of fun (which might be a huge trespass against their gothic credibility) but a little precision is dropped in favour of some rock'n'roll enthusiasm.

Each of the five songs is performed well but not flawlessly, with vocals being the main cause for concern, but elements of each composition can be seen in a new light - this reviewer had never realised how compulsive the latin piano lines in "Delusions" were before hearing this record, and it's a crazy parallel to draw but this version of "Alone" may appeal to fans of Tool. "Laundry Blues" appears to be from live repertoire only and doesn't seem to be represented on any studio releases - the track is typical of Present with no real surprises unless you count the fact that they chose to play it instead of something more recognisable.

"A Great Inhumane Adventure" is a fun set but comes second in importance to their studio recordings. However, I wouldn't say it was only for completionists because of the new slant on the material. Three stars seems right.