IN SHELTERED WINDS

I bought this album years ago after reading James Unger's (loserboy) thoughts on it, even though he rated it at only 2 stars.The attraction was that the vocalist here is IQ's Peter Nicholls. Peter had left IQ after their second album "The Wake" and formed this band which is more commercial sounding but in my opinion really good.They remind me a little of THE CHURCH from around this same period.They released this album in 1986 and an EP called "Thirst" the following year but they couldn't get signed to a record deal so they folded the tent.Too bad in a way because the 3 song EP which is included here as bonus tracks is excellent. Let's face it though it seems Peter and IQ were just mean't to be together and I for one am glad he's still their singer even to this day with their latest album "Frequency". All the lyrics on this album were written by Peter Nicholls.

"Child Bride" is my favourite tune, I really like the jangly guitar style and tone here. Vocals at 1 1/2 minutes. "Little Giants" has this relentless bass that I like but overall i'm not a big fan of this one. "The Rage" is better. Man this reminds me of IQ but i'm sure it's just the vocals. I like the guitar after 1 1/2 minutes and again later at 3 minutes. "Wild Weather In Shallow Waters" is darker with theatrical vocals from Peter. It picks up 1 1/2 minutes in. Nice. An intense track. "High Wide And Handsome" kicks into a higher gear 1 1/2 minutes in as contrasts continue. "The Twilight World Of Mr Peach" is such a catchy tune that makes my head bob a lot.

"Strange Parade" is the proggiest and longest tune at 7 1/2 minutes.The tempo and mood changes several times. The next three songs are bonus tracks from the EP "Thirst". "Never Again" sounds so good to start with the bass, drums and guitar. The vocals join in quickly. Good song. "Slashback" is also very good with the guitar and rhythm impressing me a lot. Especially after 4 1/2 minutes to the end when the vocals have stopped. "Endless Times" sounds great to start as it builds then settles in. Vocals come in and they're reserved. This is good, especially the guitar style and prominant bass.

Well i'm the first one on this site to give this 3 stars, the rest have given 1 or 2 stars.That probably is all you need to know (haha). If I wasn't such a fan of Peter and THE CHURCH from around this time, I too might have given this 2 stars. I actually enjoy this album quite a bit, in fact take out tracks 2 and 6 and i'd give this 4 stars. But then I like the PSYCHEDELIC FURS as well. Just saying.