Search - Wild Hearts :: P.H.U.Q.

Majestic and moody...

Nick M | Lawrence, KS | 06/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...couldn't even begin to describe this album. From cuts of pure pop-rock (Just In Lust, I Wanna Go...) to pure heavy metal ballbreakers (Woah S**t, Naivety Play) and everything in between (In Lilly's Garden), the album that rhymes with "truck" is one of the grandest trips you'll ever take. If you're familiar with The Wildhearts' previous works, it may take a bit to grow on you, as this is not the maximum riff-fest that was "Earth Vs." or "Fishing For Luckies." But on the second or third listen however, you'll be nodding your head to every beat, and occasionally yelling every catchy lyric at the top of your lungs. If it's one thing The Wildhearts have never forgotten to do, it's write memorable songs that have the power of passion behind them. A rare and precious trait, especially in these see-through pop-ridden times. P.h.u.q. was recorded during a drug-fueled haze and admidst numerous lineup changes, but strangely, the quality didn't suffer in the least. A band that could always (and still can) triumph over adverse conditions. That quality alone, captured on tape, is worth the price of the CD.Buy this album today."

Classic, as always.

Reverend_Maynard | Glasgow, United Kingdom | 08/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Wildhearts took a slightly more progressive and intriguing approach to this album compared to the outstanding 'Earth vs The Wildhearts' set, although they still retained their signature rock n roll, drug addled sound and style.
Considering this album was recorded amidst much internal strife and even line up changes, its quality is nothing short of miraculous. Ginger is surely one of the most consistent songwriters alive today.
Where songs like 'In Lilly's garden' and 'Be My Drug' take a more mellow and melodic approach, which is very welcome as it introduces some real diversity and showcases talent, ultra-catchy numbers such as 'I wanna go where the people go', surely one of the strongest singles ever released, balance out the recording and ensure hardcore fans will be jumping for joy.
Elsewhere, the trademark Wildhearts massive riffs come into play ('Just in lust', 'Nita Nitro', 'Caprice'), while some songs, like 'Naivety Play' (excellent title) or 'Getting it' introduce a kind of rabid, anthmeic intensity which is very compelling.
In short, this is just what one would expect of such a quality band: a consistent, well written, recorded and produced classic which any self-respecting rock n roll fan should own."