Search - Stranglers :: Meninblack

Heady Topics for All Those Concerned...

P. T. Ostiguy | MA | 06/30/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"With the deluge of seemingly unresponsive earthly inhabitants scurrying about in the early 80's, it's no wonder that the topics described herein by The Stranglers on "The Gospel" are as relevant and damning as ever. Covering vast extremes of religious fundamentalism to even the congregating masses awash in Americana's eyes, this album is a culmination and dare say climax of a synthesis of personal insight lead by the quad and furthered by a near silly progressive synth backdrop awash in goof speak as well as serious complications with personal faith. If there could be a contemporary album by the Stranglers, this was there initial fray into attacking even headier topics than "Black and White". Taken in this context, the album offers a startling venture in a (ahh hum) Godless world whose inhabitants, driven by media and inclusiveness, seemingly damn "the second" coming of what would've been the next prianna. It seems these topics where even troubling to the crew itself, and personally one of the standout tracks has to be Greenfields only vocal contribution that explores what is quite possibly his own issues with faith (namely Christianity) in a subtle exploration of "What if He came back today?" At the end...it would seem the Returner would be apt. to sit quietly in an institution quite unaware of his seeming relevance. This an album, nary a single to be plucked from its confines, but taken as whole it warrants consideration and appreciation for the subtleties of its lyrical adventurism and more often than not, lo-fi, driving synthesis."