CLUTCH

From what hidden corner of Hammill's dark mind did this brilliant album suddenly come from? 'What Now?' was a good album but apart from that one we had to endure almost 20 years of mediocre and substandard releases. And here, suddenly: inspiration, drive and confidence.

Not only is it a return to the form and substance of the early 70's (especially Chameleon in the Shadow comes to mind) but it's also improved with an excellent production and a maturity that was lacking from the first albums. There are no excessive self-indulgent vocal or instrumental show-offs here, just 9 uncompromising stabs of anger, pain and love. All songs are built around Hammill's inspired acoustic guitar playing and his gloomy and threatening vocals. The party is spiced up with Gordon's and Jackson's subtle touches of violin and sax. One of his most convincing albums ever.