Search - Lungfish :: Necrophones

Lungfish, Mark III

Peter Frase | Chicago, IL United States | 01/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I read one internet review of this album that joked, "Lungfish has finally released their second record." Which is to say, they're finally doing something different than they've done on their last 7 LPs. But I'd argue that "Necrophones" represents a third phase of Lungfish's development--phase one was the straight-ahead, pounding rock exemplefied by "Talking Songs for Walking," which segued into the droning, repetitious second phase of "Indivisible" and "Artificial Horizon"."Necrophones" may be the best record Lungfish have put out since their masterpiece, "Rainbows from Atoms." It's definitely more rocking than most of their recent output, but it isn't just a throwback to the early stuff. "Shapes in Space" starts off like 10 Lungfish songs you've heard before, but then it explodes into a nervous 3/4 rhythm that wouldn't have fit in at all with the straight rock beats of the early years. And "Occult Vibrations" even employs something resembling a pop hook. But all the classic elements are still there: the relentless groove, that doesn't so much get you dancing as send you into a trance; the steamroller drums, driving everything; Asa Osborne's simple yet unforgettable guitar lines; and on top of it all, searing, penetrating vocal deliveries.The lyrics, as always, are the obscure philosophical contemplations of Daniel Higgs; while they may look a bit precious on paper, when he sings them he'll have you believing every word is a deep spiritual truth.All in all, I think this is a totally satisfying record, perfect for Lungfish devotees and novices alike."

Angular forest/ rusty poem

Phil Deez | Oakland, CA USA | 05/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is one of the most driving, hyptnotic, ambitious and realized pieces of music i have ever heard. the words...the words on this record are like surrealistic poetry...these guys are rageful bodhisattivas with a thousand year old soul...I reccomend buying EVERYTHING this band has ever done..."