[kj] ABSOLUTE v HOSANNAS v 2003

[Paul Rangecroft]

ABSOLUTE DISSENT - echo what others have said: sounds like a real band,
impressed by the positivity, Big Paul back where he belongs. Think they've
succeeded to some extent in their aim to take the best elements of previous
albums. Probably about on a par with PANDEMONIUM - some great songs and some
filler.

'Absolute Dissent' - not bowled over to be honest. Maybe an homage to
'Pssyche'. Seems odd if it's not deliberate. I think it's a stupid concept
as well. Dissident without a cause? Jaz'd hate utopia - nothing to complain
about.

'The Great Cull' - superb. Only minor complaint is that it's a shame his
voice can't quite take the strain.

'Fresh Fever ...' - studio version much better than live.

'In Excelsis' - love the sentiment but too long.

'European Super State' - sounds like it was commissioned by Brussels. An
attempt to have a club dancefloor hit. Pish. Probably end up being used a
background music for the Ryder Cup.

'This World Hell' - hate the sleazy bend. Interesting drum work not enough
to save it.

'Endgame' - enjoyable bouncy number.

'The Raven King' - fittingly moving tribute.

'Honour the Fire' - disappointing given the title.

'Depthcharge' - don't see the point of these fast, vacuous 'Asteroid'-style
songs.

'Here Comes the Singularity' - relieved that just when it seems like the
album is petering out they pull a fantastic song like this out of the bag.

'Ghost of Ladbroke Grove' - nice bit of mellow Youth-influenced dub. Shame I
don't smoke gear anymore!


Main complaint - not enough old-school Geordie. Ghosts of Killing Joke -
WTF's happened to Killing Joke? Todd's concerns regarding
overload-the-senses production v. less-is-more prove correct.


HOSANNAS... Despite that fact that it has the feel of a demo CD I still
prefer it to 2003 in that it's not a attempt to appeal to a particular
audience.
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