ISLAND OF JEWELS

The 80's is not exactly my favourite period for LPD but I know for older fans this is the sweet spot. I started with the 90's material and just feel it's so much better and I have no nostalgia towards the beginnings of this band like many do. I decided to start with 1986's "Island Of Jewels" and I believe I have four more to get to after this from the 80's. Pretty much a five piece here as I can only hear the sax on that second track even though he's pictured in the liner notes with the other five. But yeah Ka-Spel, Silverman and Patrick Q are all here plus a guitarist and bass player.

Part of the negative for me are the programmed drums, especially when the music gets energetic which isn't often by the way. They do use real percussion at times. Lots of programmed sounds and effects plus three play keyboards. Highlights include the opener "Tower Six" which opens with banging sounds and atmosphere as gentle guitar arrives then other sounds are added as it builds. I really like this one, my favourite.

They get silly on the next one "The Red And The Black", but back to my favourites and "Rattlesnake Arena" which along with the opener really standout from the rest. This one just sounds so good with that urgent electronic driven music. Fast paced vocals join in as well. A big negative for me is "The Shock Of Contact" but the "Our Lady In Kharki" makes up for that. And I suppose "The Dairy" is a good example of bad sounding drums.

A good album but not essential by any means.