WING BEAT FANTASTIC

I can't believe how unpredictably talented Mike Keneally truly is. There is no music this man cannot beautify, and, in this case, extend to galactic proportions. If you are even remotely a fan of XTC, Andy Partridge, the Beatles or Mike Keneally, this album can be the happiest musical INFECTION you have had in years.

Moments in this album, I am thinking, "this is the XTC album I was waiting for...", then you start thinking, "this is XTC 2.0", followed by "my God, Mike Keneally loves XTC more than I do... is that possible?". You have to double check the credits to make sure Colin Moulding isn't singing in the background. The way Mike has recreated the XTC harmony/production values are incredible. A couple of times you think you are listening to the guitar and singing of Andy Partridge (he is responsible for the co-writing and a few drum loops-which, needless to say, are exquisite).

OF IMPORTANT NOTE! This album will NOT sink in with one listen. This is the most important part about listening to ANY Mike Keneally venture (except maybe "Dog"). The first reaction is that the first half of the album is the best and only part, HOWEVER a real serious uninterrupted focused listen to the latter half of the album reveals something so deep and lyrical it becomes more infectious than the first half. The second half of the album is like a musical dreamscape washed in a haze of atmosphere with hidden complex melodies that stick like glue.

In my opinion, this album makes up for the slightly spotty nature of Scambot 1. If that album left you a little cold, this one will make you fall in love with Keneally all over again.