Returning to full action after
Siouxse and the Banshees revitalized themselves with the
Peep Show album and tour,
the Creatures once again recorded an album that took full advantage of their surroundings. Instead of tropical Hawaii, it was Spain that they and longtime producer
Mike Hedges found themselves in, reflected in both the stark location photography from
Anton Corbijn and the mix of Spanish-tinged music and lyrical themes. The lead-off track was also arguably the strongest: "Standing There," with a rhythm and horns assault
Foetus or
Yello would be proud of and
Sioux at her most cutting against wolf-whistling male taunters and their ilk. The rest of the album proved a worthy follow-up to such a memorable start, whether creating Iberian-inspired pieces like the flamenco and trumpet-tinged "Manchild" or the strut of "Strolling Wolf" or following other individual impulses.
Sioux's singing is some of her best both in and out of the Banshees, still retaining the shadowed mystery that she makes her own while drawing on an interesting range of styles, from cabaret to
Nico-esque chanting.
Budgie, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate why he's such a fantastic drummer and percussionist, from tribal stomps to lighter bell, marimba, steel drum, and other combinations, even a few electronic loops for good measure. The busy "Fury Eyes," which became the second single from the album, has the same quick pop feel as "Miss the Girl" with a more immediately fun edge. Blues/jazz influences crop up throughout
Boomerang -- the wheezing harmonica on "Willow," the slow crawl of "Killing Time," and more -- and get a great new lease on life as a result. One of the best numbers marries a sassy low R&B base to futuristic ambient sound and very glam lyrics, "Pluto Drive," which on the CD version blends into the vocal/instrumental mood piece "Solar Choir" nicely. ~ Ned Raggett