OK, so between '86 and '87, a bunch of wops got together and performed this live in the studio album with minimal overdubs. I am trying to express what it contains. I suppose I could explain the way I experienced it, the last time I listened to it, and then explain how it sounds. Maybe then, you will understand because this is a tough one to convey. Simply saying it "sounds like" will not do.

So last night we wrapped up recording, had a few beers and lots of laughs; finally, I headed home and went to sleep. Abruptly woken up, I wound up in a huge fight that was about all the fucked up stuff that has been going on lately and the long hours I have been working. I finally went back to bed for a while. The next morning, I went to work for a while to wrap up loose ends before the long holiday weekend. I talked to my boss for a bit over the phone and drove off with this playing in the CD player. I got to work and no one was there! Considering this is a 12-story building in the middle of the financial district, I could not believe it was dead empty. I saw all of five humans during the three hours I was there on this fine Saturday afternoon. It felt cold and alienating, like I was the last man alive. I drove along afterwards stopping at record stores to pop up some flyers for gigs, but I still felt cold and alienated. My insides have been on fire all day. I do not know how to explain the feeling. At least I saw a few friends; we talked and I had a good time record hunting (found a few gems) but I still felt like my skin had turned green or like I was invisible.

This brings me to the album. It is a bittersweet experience that I find hard to explain. The music is, all at once, warm and exciting but yet detached and ethereal. It is the kind of album you would put on if you were in a bad mood, or if you wanted to bring about one. Kinda like a heavy metal version of "Closer" from JOY DIVISION. It is all there, but the dark feeling almost shuts the listener out, leaving you feeling like you are on the outside looking in. I have since listened to the album many times and noted how it sounds like a cross between MAIDEN and ST VITUS. The vocals remind me of Dickinson, Halford, and Layne Staley, but with an unnerving effect. It almost reminds me of the vocal effects on Bauhaus songs. If you live in a black room with many glowing candles, this would suit the mood perfectly. I guess I relate to music through joy and anger as opposed to depression and alienation these days. Another good example of what I am talking about, is side two of "Damaged" by BLACK FLAG (for CD owners, start at "Depression") during these songs, you almost feel like the band does not care whether you listen or not. The music seems to build walls against the listener to create a womb for them to go through cathartic motions. This will appeal to the weird guys out there with the crazy eyes who sit at the bar and mumble to themselves but never say a word to those around them. I do not know what else to say.

- Two Tub Tony

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