AGAINST THE MODERN WORLD

This original EP length release by Tony Wakeford's SOL INVICTUS emphasizes the post punk, industrial and dark wave origins of neo folk as much or more than its folk roots, but is no less fascinating for it. Of note, Wakeford's limited vocals were more well suited to the martial rhythms deployed here, though the near incessant drum machine, particularly in the undercooked though atmospheric bonus tracks, becomes wearing by the time those numbers roll around. While he had clearly already eschewed his dubious political affiliations by this point, one could be excused for inferring otherwise when confronted by the likes of original closer "Wolf Age Axe Age".

As for the meat of "Against the Modern World", its endorsements largely predate modern religions, and the arrangements are more primitive than the 1988 release year might suggest, dedicated to morbidly attractive liquid electric guitar riffs and keyboard fills. "Angels Fall" and the title cut are self evident highlights, anthems for the stuck-in-the mud, like infusing the PSYCHEDELIC FURS with the downers they had always desperately needed. "Raven Chorus" betrays how little Wakeford understood the trad folk underpinnings, as he offers about 40 seconds of same before chucking it entirely for the duration. Just enough of the new romantic Wakeford colors the dour messaging in "A Ship is Burning" and "Summer Ends" to make us optimistic for the band's future, though I question the use of this adjective as it pertains to anything related to this record.

With the modern world only becoming more so since 1988, it might be time for a sequel, though this will always be the original for a movement that neither dies nor thrives. Almost 3.5 stars.