KoalaFMB

Hideaway is an interesting album. I can see that the band tried to experiment a little more here with mood. I really enjoyed the dry, desert vibe of Sinking Feeling-Honeycomb-The Blame run, which I think carries the whole album. The country-styled The Blame was an interesting surprise. The lyrics also have their moments with this line in particular being my favourite: “In a jail, I sleep on a sheet of bourbon”.

Unfortunately, the band’s ambition for this experiment quickly ... read more

I picked up this album on CD (which automatically adds a couple of points to every album I own) a while ago, before I found out it’s considered Rush’s worst. Granted, at the time I wasn’t very familiar with the band’s discography (nor I am now), but I know some of their albums from the 70’s and 80’s to understand their usual level of quality.

Listening to this album now, I definitely see some flaws, but I still enjoy the record and think there’s ... read more

I really liked their debut for its variety, unique take on breakbeat genre, and an amazing urban vibe. They Live!, unfortunately, is none of those things. This record aims for a more electronic, even electro, sound. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the results are mixed.

First, the beats are bad. Where You Can Be Special had groovy breakbeats, They Live! relies predominantly on simple kick-snare beats. Here’s the perfect example – listen to Crooked off of the debut and ... read more

I’m a fan of Gary Numan’s classic trilogy from the early ’80s. Knowing he drastically changed his style in later years, I decided to check out one of his most popular releases from that period: Pure. And boy, what a striking transformation he underwent.

The album is rough and unapologetic from start to finish. There’s no easing in or out — it begins with sharply cut noises and ends abruptly. It’s dark, sinister, and depressing, with anger and desperation ... read more