Gigantic Days a dwarf next to first album
12/02/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"When I saw that Punishment of Luxury (aka Punilux) had a new CD out I snapped it up, only to discover that it pales in comparison to that band's debut album, "Laughing Academy." While band leader Nevilluxury still has a knack for catchy guitar riffs and a unique singing voice, the concepts presented here seem disjointed - and a bit too personal. That in itself isn't bad, but when compared to "Laughing Academy," one doesn't feel the sense of inclusion in describing our crazy world. With "Gigantic Days," I find myself trying to figure out what he's talking about instead of knowing what parts of society he's mocking. The CD also includes 6 songs from Nevilluxury's solo album "Feels Like Dancing Wartime" (a fact not mentioned anywhere on the CD) which are perhaps the best songs on it. As for the production on the CD, it is below average. It almost sounds as if it was recorded on a multi-track cassette machine. The mix is uneven, putting too much emphasis on the vocals and burying some of the more interesting guitar work. If you're a serious collector, you'll probably buy this anyway. But if you really like Punilux, don't bother."
Why this?
Danny | Silver Spring, MD United States | 06/08/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Punilux were one of the best live bands I've ever seen and Laughing Academy is one of the greatest unkown treasures you'll ever find. I had to buy this to complete the collection. I've listened to it once and will probably never listen to it again. Compared to their debut and their collection of singles, it is abysmal. All I can wonder is this: with so much other obscure material emerging on CD these days, why not Laughing Academy?"
Close - but no cigar
mark kelly | London England | 02/21/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Being an ardent fan for many years standing of Punishment of Luxury(I even had a failed audition when Jimi Giro left!)I awaited the release of this album with bated breath and in truth I wasn't too dissapointed with it's content. Although it pales when compared to "Laughing Academy" it is still a good listen particularly for those who already like the band. The "new" tracks are actually far better than the previously released Nevilluxury solo stuff with their trademark dischordant rhythms and angular guitar work and lets face it,the cd hardly breaks the bank!So,my advice to you is - If like me you have an unsatiable hunger for anything Punilux then buy it - If you have heard about the band but not heard the music then check out their debut album"Laughing Academy" surely the finest album ever made by anyone ever and a sure fire 11 out of 10 rating if ever there was! On the whole I enjoyed the c.d. immensely but there again I am exceedingly biased! This album would probably go down well with fans of similar bands like -the Cardiacs- or Random Hold. Anyway buy it! I'm sure they need the money and if any-one diserves it they do!"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1