9 LIVES TO WONDER

This one is a bit of a head scratcher for me. I'm such a big fan of the music that this band put out in nineties, my favourite period by them but this is the exception. "9 Lives To Wonder" released in 1994 with the gorgeous cover art is just too mellow. By the time I get to track 5 or 6 I'm reaching for the eject button. Surprisingly slow going at times, sparse with Ka-Spel often talking or barely singing. Maybe subtle is the word for this music but there are exceptions. And it's a six piece! Ceven Cey from SKINNY PUPPY plays drums on five tracks while the guitarist plays drums on one and the bass player drums on three tunes. Cey and Ka-Spel are in THE TEAR GARDEN that some might be familiar with.

Picking a top two is easy but if I had to add a third it would be the opener "Madame Guillotine". Some energy on this one and the lyrics are dark. Kind of creepy when he repeats over and over "And we all fall down" as the organ and drums support. Five laid back songs follow and there is lots of variety then we get my second favourite "A Crack In Melancholy Time". Love when he cries over and over with passion "Count me out". A haunting ending. 'Nine Shades To The Circles" is my favourite and it's by far the longest at almost 10 1/2 minutes. Atmosphere and sounds that echo as experimental noises start to come and go. A cool sounding soundscape that requires headphones. A story is being told as well and it's all just so interesting.

I saw this on a few top ten lists by LPD fans but this one just isn't for me.