The DAMAGE Review

Saturday January 24 1998

"Shit sandwich."

Saturday January 24 1998

"Truth is, I thought it mattered. I thought that music mattered. But this is bollocks..." You said it, buddy. How can you go wrong with an infectiously catchy tune like Tubthumping? Just try and endure the rest of Chumbawamba's Tubthumper, a worse example of absolute shite you will not find. Take all the creepy elements that made you hate your sister's Abba records and wrap them in Brit-pop packaging. Throw in grisly Mamas and the Papas harmonies and set to a maddening Euro-techno soundtrack. That's Tubthumper. Pretty scary, eh? Save your quid and buy something else.

January 17 1998

The moment my senses were stricken by Black Light Syndrome, the world became a better, weirder, happy, eerie place with an elated hope that music could once again be spontaneous and threatening in the best of ways. Spontaneous and alive with a fresh conception of where music can grow if given freedom, threatening the axiom of what "progressive rock" ought to be, Black Light Syndrome is a rare chance for the listener to be entertained and challenged. Terry Bozzio (drums), Tony Levin (bass/stick) and Steve Stevens (guitars) meld together wonderfully in this incredible project recorded over a span of only four days in an environment where each member had equal and unconditional input to its improvisational composition. That freedom is always evident.

Known for their musical efforts with a seemingly countless number of artists, Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons), Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon), and Stevens (Billy Idol) bring their influences to the album with a strangely comfortable feel. From the moody opening of The Sun Road, to the raucous noise of Dark Corners, to the flamenco fusion of Duende, Bozzio Levin Stevens introduce the record with a musical prowess that is both unpredictable and daring. The musing, jazzy title track coolly soars into Falling In Circles with an odd yet familiar vibe that crackles with electricity, while Book Of Hours gently soothes the tension afterwards. It is the album's closing track that best summarizes the entire listening experience, appropriately titled, Chaos/Control.

Black Light Syndrome is a bold mix of rock, jazz and world beat rhythms, carefully balancing fury and serenity in a soundscape of consciousness. Certainly not mainstream. Definitely excellent. This album comes highly recommended to anyone demanding more from music and I can only hope Bozzio, Levin and Stevens will work together again. Get it!