THE GUILLOTINE

After hearing the incredible 'Sounds of the Apocalypse' that was astounding music on every level, a masterpeice hearkening back to the 70s but reinventing the style, I was eager to get hold of more Black Bonzo. Unfortunately they have completely adopted a new style and it is nowhere near as progressive, nor is it is as innovative. In fact this album was an outright disappointment.

There are no standout tracks and the instrumental virtuosity so prevalent on 'Sounds...' is all but absent. This is such a shame as the band really have incredible potential. This album is 5 steps backwards from their previous one. I just could not get in to this at all. And it doesn't grow on you but more infuriates you as you want it to be great but it never delivers.

Listen to any track from 'Sounds' and you will be astounded at how good they are. On this album however, each track is short, non progressive and not up to the musical excellence and standard of previous material. It is all so commercial and there is no sense of adventure, and the concept behind it is lost on me, it feels like a sub standard rushed attempt at a failed idea. It may have sounded good on paper but the songwriting is mediocre and the music is so below par. It sounds like a different band, and not a very good one at that.

I don't mind it when a band try something new, Porcupine Tree are a prime example of making it work, but it at least has to hold the attention. Unfortunately, 'Guillotine Drama' is dull from end to end. There are perhaps 2 or 3 decent tracks in there somewhere, but I can't even recall which ones at this point. It will rarely trouble my CD player and is definitely for completists. **

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