The last we heard of psychobilly weirdos Eighties Matchbox, they had unleashed four-track EP In The Garden on an unsuspecting world, a short-but-fantastic package of rip-roaring garage punk which suggested that the band's next LP would have more in common with the frantic psycho-rock of 2002 debut Horse of the Dog than 2004's more calm and considered follow up The Royal Society.
Highlights are album opener and lead single Love Turns To Hate is an impressive starting post, featuring TEMBLD staples such as Guy McKnight's sinister vocals coming across like Nick Cave's evil dead twin, as he growls over snarling basslines and howling guitars. Mission From God opens with two seconds of gloriously screeching guitar and deathly drums before settling into the kind of disorganised chaos TEMBLD do so well. Under My Chin rumbles along as if posessed by Marilyn Manson, and Monsieur Cutts sees McKnight do away with singing and instead proceeds to howl like a psychopath for two minutes, a semblance of order restored by ferocious drumming. McKnight is clearly having the time of his life on Man For All Seasons, every line sounding like it is being uttered with an evil grin. Album closer Are You Living almost enters Arctic Monkeys territory with its indie-pop riff, until motorcycle engine guitars show up to provide the song with the kind of snarling angry chorus the band seem to conjure up so effortlessly.
Overall this album is a triumphant return, and is more of a relative of Horse of the Dog than of The Royal Society. Although it does sound slightly too polished in parts, it generally has the moody swagger to appease most TEMBLD fans.
Overall Rating - 8/10
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