Erotic Secrets of Pompeii - Pitchfork Libra 
Release Date: Out Now
I can't believe we've actually reached the second album of Bristol's finest purveyors of dark, twisted and eccentric performative indie rock. But, nevertheless, here we are; 'Pitchfork Libra' is upon us. The frantic start of 'Ten Ton Delirium' sets the scene which is part 80s kids TV gameshow, part mad scientist and part art-punk. 'Ossuary Kisses' is suitably unhinged and off-kilter with woozy guitars and a vocal performance that positively grins at you from behind a Venetian mask. The synthy bass tones of 'Bring Me Back From the Black Beyond' set this song up as something almost cartoonish but still full of villainy - like Christopher Lloyd's character from Who Framed Roger Rabbit with his own spin-off origin story show (note to self, I'd actually watch that - must pitch).
After the brilliant, carnival inspired chaos of the opening triumvirate comes 'Zygote', a slinky, smoky song that clitters and clatters across the floor like a spider in high-heels on the way to see what has been caught in the most alluring of webs. Recent single 'Moving Sidewards into Lightning' sounds as urgent but stylish as ever with a bass vs guitar duel that hypnotises and intoxicates in equal measure. Meanwhile, the band's heavier influences are hinted at on 'Speak Medieval' which has flavours of System of a Down but with a fairground twist before 'The Dawn Is Not Your Enemy' stakes a claim for a place on your Halloween playlist.
The vibe (and video) on 'The Hand That Did The Deed' is simply bonkers and that eccentricity is turned into a brilliantly infectious romp that is surely a sing-a-long favourite at live shows. Penultimate track 'We've All Been Cruel' is a moodier, darker track that feels like seeing the depression behind the clowns make-up but the swooning guitars and shimmying beat distract you from the pain - just about. We bid a flamboyant farewell to our dark jesters on 'Count To Ten With Nobody', a song that oozes and woozes with Zappa-inspired creativity and the sound of a band of creatives and friends making music the only way they know how. And thank the dark lord they are making this music but I honestly don't think anyone else is going to make it or even could make it for that matter. Creative genius occasionally stomping over the line into the realms of insanity.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/eroticsecretsofpompeii
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