A THINKING PLAGUE

With THINKING PLAGUE about to release a new album I thought I better review their first two records. For me this is a great way to prepare for the new one. Sharon Bradford is the vocalist on this their debut released in 1984 although we do get plenty of male vocals too. This is such an inventive album full of adventure and there's that humour too.

"I Do Not Live" opens with male vocals, acoustic guitar and more. Avant is the word (haha). A calm before 1 1/2 minutes then these loud percussion sounds and female vocals take over. Back to that earlier soundscape around 4 minutes although the vocals sound distorted this time. "Possesed" is led by guitar and drums early. Great sound here. A calm before 2 minutes with piano and female vocals. It kicks back in before 3 1/2 minutes with guitar and drums. Vocals are back around 4 minutes in then it turns pastoral a minute later. It's fuller again as contrasts continue.

"How To Clean Squid" is funny lyrically. It's an uptermpo rocker to start before settling back. Crazy stuff. Love the bass late. "A Light Is On And Name The World" is a short piece with loud bangs and lots of chaos. "The Taste That Lingers On" is funny with almost spoken vocals with a silly sounding rhythm and other humorous sounds. "Four Men In The Rain" is melancholic with dissonance. "Thorns Of Blue And Red / The War" is the almost 15 1/2 minute closer. Piano and male vocals to start then guitar and drums take over before a minute. Nice. A calm after 3 minutes with sparse sounds.Piano and drums before 6 minutes then vocals and a fuller sound follow. Nice. A calm with male vocals before 10 minutes then the guitar and drums return.

What a great way to start their careers. A very solid 4 stars for this one.