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Red Sails... |
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Red Sails in the Sunset
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Red Sails in the Sunset |
Despite ever more sophisticated production, the band just doesn't have any focus this time. Their formula does work on the explosive, horn-augmented "Best Of Both Worlds"; the tension-building "Who Can Stand In The Way"; the blazing, riffy rocker "Koscuisko," which fades on a cool string arrangement; the buzzing, maniacal "Helps Me Helps You"; and the funky, updated "When The Generals Talk," which survives some embarassing ultra-left raps and silly dance floor posturing. Rotsey plays some unexpected rockabilly riffs, Moginie uses a large palette of modernistic synth noises, and there a lot of interesting little touches. But much of the running time is dominated by unimaginative strum-a-thon anthems ("Minutes To Midnight"), bombastic epics ("Jimmy Sharman's Boxers"; "Shipyards Of New Zealand"), and complex, yet unfinished-sounding experiments ("Harrisburg"). It's creative, but offputting in the same way as XTC's contemporary Big Express, and not an essential buy.
Rating: ***
Reviewer: John Alroy