IN THIS LIFE

This would be vocalist Susanne Lewis' last album with the band. She would go on to guest on 5UU's "Hungers Teeth" several years later. What a talented lady though. She did the art work for the album cover, wrote almost all of the lyrics, played some guitar, accordion and violin besides singing. Bob Drake and Mike Johnson are the cornerstones of this band in creating the music as well as engineering and mixing the tunes. I was impressed by Maria Moran who plays a mean and in your face bass, and she's cute too. Lots of clarinet and keyboards here as well. I wasn't expecting this album to be so good. For me it's their best album. Sure it's challenging and complex but it's also melodic with some amazing tunes top to bottom.There is nothing average about any of the music here, it's all brilliant as far as i'm concerned.

"Lycanthrope" opens with strummed guitar as a full sound kicks in quickly. Nice bass and we get vocals before a minute. Incredible sound here. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes and this sounds amazing as well.That heavy rhythm kicks back in and you gotta love that chunky bass.Vocals are back. I'm just blown away by this opening number. "Run Amok" has this insane intro with vocals. It settles beck then picks back up.This is psychotic. It reminds me of UNIVERS ZERO when they play that uptempo and intricate music in that classical style. It settles back again to the end. "Malaise" is heavy, dark and slow moving with melancholic, almost spoken vocals. Great tune. "Organism (Version II)" opens with percussion sounds including tablas as well as guitar before it turns dark and eerie. By the way that's Fred Frith guesting on guitar at the beginning. It's building before 2 minutes then it settles back and the vocals join in. A change before 4 minutes as percussion comes back to the fore. It turns heavy and vocals return as the music continues to twist and turn until that relentless percussion returns right to the end.

"Love" is a heavy mid paced track with vocals. Great sound 5 minutes in and I like the way the song ends too. "The Guardian" is one of my favourites.There's an ethnic vibe her with violins and vocals standing out.This just sounds so good and i'm actually rocking out to it as well (haha). "Fountain Of All Tears" is another amazing track.The sound builds and we get some deep bass sounds here.Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. Love the vocal melodies and that catchy rhythm late. Interesting that Bob is on bass here and Maria is on electric guitar.

This album is just an incredible feast for the ears with all that lights out instrumental work.This is my favourite recording from the band.The two bonus tracks from earlier in their careers is a nice touch as well.