A THINKING PLAGUE

Not nearly as experimental as they think they are, Thinking Plague are nevertheless a skilled and entertaining band. Comparisons to Henry Cow aren't entirely unfounded although perhaps a little too flattering in terms of new ground covered.

This disc starts with a rather abrasive song with contrary instrumentation and urgently delivered lyrics, but don't let it scare you away as what lies beyond is much more fulfilling. The disc contains pieces which can be likened to various RIO bands, all the way from tense chamber avant-rock to the confused new-wave, post-punk pop songs "How to Clean Squid" and "The Taste That Lingers On" which this reviewer found similar to certain pieces on Stormy Six's "Al Volo" album.

Look to this album if you crave a disc that will create certain moods rather than to help you rock out. Pay particularly close attention to the second and last tracks as they are true gems. Of course, this reviewer's advice would be to delay the purchase of A Thinking Plague (or more likely, the double album compilation upon which this appears) until you have paid tribute to bands such as Univers Zero and Etron Fou Leloublan.