"Out of all the British bands on the rock scene, Therapy? have to be regarded as one of the best, if not the best. Back in 1994 when `Troublegum' was released, it was hailed as a classic containing not one filler track. However, the follow-up `Infernal Love' proved to be a disappointment even though it contained numerous great songs but lacked the cohesion and energy of `Troublegum'. The case was not helped by the weird synthesiser sounds between songs. Luckily, Therapy? have returned to the fun, abrasive and loud form that made them so vital in the first place. `Church Of Noise' is short, sharp and full of energy just as `Lonely, Cryin' Only' is pure pop. Singer Andy Cairn's lyrics remain dark which combine well with the album's authentic choruses - a perfect blend. It is a shame the album did not achieve the commercial success it deserved when lesser bands hogged the spotlight. Many people are missing out on something of a minor classic."
Even better than Troublegum
Meneerdevries | Netherlands | 08/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"According to most fans Therapy? will never be able to top Troublegum, an album of sheer genius. I think they did, when they released Semi-Detached. Semi-Detached is a crossover between Troublegum and Infernal Love, being more poppy than the first and less slick than the latter, and creating an atmosphere which is a mixture of Troublegum's anger and IL's melancholy. Songs like "Church of Noise", "Lonely Cryin' Only", "Straight Life" and "Don't Expect Roses" are great uptempo rocksongs comparable to "Screamager", "Stop It Your Killing Me" and "Loose". More dynamic songs are "Tightrope Walker", "Black Eye Purple Sky", "Born Too Soon" and "Tramline"- they may take some time getting used to, but in my case these songs made me really really like the album. It's hard to explain why, but if you like Nurse's "Zipless", Troublegum's "Brainsaw" and Infernal Love's "Jude The Obscene" my guess is you'll like these songs as well. If you really want to know whether you'll share my opinion, just listen to "Safe". If you also think that is one of the best rocksongs ever, yoú just have to get "Semi-Detached", because you'll dig it."
Their best?
Rick van der Ham | 06/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Semi Detached is one of the more underrated Therapy? albums. Personally it is one of my favourite Therapy? albums. The album is a combination of Therapy's love for catchy but also experimental songs. "Church Of Noise" is one of the rawest and punkiest songs on the album. "Lonely, Cryin' Only" sounds like a sixties harmony rock/pop song. " "Tightrope Walker" and "Black Eye Purple Sky" have a great guitar harmony. "Stay Happy" and "Straight Life" are my favourite tracks. "Stay Happy" is a over-the-top up tempo song and "Straight Life" could have been on the album Troublegum. "Tramline" really is an experimental/noisy song, pure chaos. The only track that I don't like is "Don't Expect Roses". It is a rock and roll track that is not bad, but is not really my cup of tea.
Overall Therapy? combines noise and melody and also melancholy and joyness perfectly. The songs are pretty layered. The bands uses different sounds to enhance the songs. Semi Detached is a diverse album and when the album ends it invites you to press play again. The album is just a perfect mixture of Nurse, Troublegum and Infernal Love."
Great!
Rick van der Ham | 10/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fist of all, let me say that people who are looking for Troublegum II will be disappointed, since this isn't a Troublegum II, and there will probably never be one. Therapy?'s 7 albums (Born in a crash not counted) are all different. Although this album comes closer to Troublegum than the other albums, this album should not be compared with T? greatest album yet, beuse it wouldn't be fair. Now, let's talk about this album. Unlike their latest release Suicide Pact, this album is pretty mainstream and 'radio-friendly'. The album starts with Church Of Noise, a perfect opener for this album. Then there are some more or less 'similar' songs Tightrope Walker and Black Eye, Purple Sky. Then one of T? best songs comes: Lonely, Cryin' Only, which is a perfect song in every sense. It's loud, but not too loud, and Andy's lyrics complete the song. Other great songs are Stay Happy, Safe (which starts out pretty slow, but turns out to be a great rock song, with emotional content), and the best track of the album: Straight Life, which kicks in immediately as it starts. The guitars are great, and Andy's almost screaming lyrics fit the music perfectly. The only weak track is Tramline, which is just too edgy and too loud. On the whole, this album is one of T?'s finest yet. Although many T? fans claim that it's the weakest yet, I think this album would be perfect to start your T? collection with, but be sure to get Troublegum and Infernal Love too!"
Lighter than Troublegum, but not much more melodic
gastoryrguffa | Kitee, Finland | 04/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pardon me for the title; Semi-Detached is NOT by all means a poor album. It is AS melodic as Troublegum. The thing I love on this album is that it is so unsuperficial. Every listening brings more to the songs, and they are not as simple or direct as the Troublegum-tracks. When I first heard this album, I was very dissapointed with it, and I know Andy Cairns himself doesn't rate this too high, either, but you have got to admit, that Therapy? is a mastergang when it comes to offering catchy melodies, but also making the song multi-dimentional. For a long time I had trouble with remebering the last songs of the album, but as I listened to it again, I found out there are real diamonds in the end. For example, "This Boy's Asleep" is definately among the best slower T?-tracks. Other tope ones: "Church Of Noise", "Black Eye, Purple Sky", "Safe", "Straight Life", etc."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1