DO THEY HURT?

Brand X modernize their sound and streamline music further on the 1980's "Do they hurt". On the first track, we have a fantastic bass modern playing seconded by mediocre vocals, simplified drums and 80's keyboards. Wouldn't be surprised if it were inspired by Collins but it seems it wasn't! "Voidarama" has a warm fusion feeling of late 90's with twists of smooth jazz, I really like the sound of the song and guitar fiddling. The atmosphere is let down again by "Act of will" that is closer to new wave than fusion. "Fragile" is a typical experimental Brand X song that even sneaks into post-bop territory although more as a joke I guess. "Cambodia" is another guitar-heavy track, very accessible and far from complex. "Triumphant Limp" with Collins onboard offers a nice groove on cymbals. The best track comes at the end "D.M.Z" is a full-fledged fusion track with a killer bass-drum patter and fresh piano. You can evidence that the players did not take this record as seriously as the previous ones before in 1976-1978.