Flowers in Bloomington, MN

Still clinging to the
post-punk
snarl that made them cult favorites during the '80s,
Echo and the Bunnymen
's
Ian McCulloch
and
Will Sergeant
maintain a stunning inventiveness as they enter into the third decade of the band. They're older, but an ignited passion remains central.
What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?
was more or less a lackluster
effort, but the mediocrity of that album was twisted into a clear beauty for
Echo
's ninth album,
Flowers
. After contractual battles with
London Records
, a deal with
SpinArt
contributed to the redefined structure of the band, and
solidified
McCulloch
's and
Sergeant
's brotherly musical jaunt, reaching a respectable status.
isn't an angst-ridden punk -- he's aged with class -- and
's typically moody guitar work has mellowed. The alluring rawness of the band is intact, and songs such as
"King of Kings"
"Hide & Seek"
are playful cuts with reminiscent production work of 1983's musical prize,
Ocean Rain
.
"It's Alright"
rolls with layered guitars, and
experiments vocally for a rough-edged spiral of
psychedelics
and '60s
pop
flair.
"Everybody Knows"
"An Eternity Turns"
get back to basics, circa
Crocodiles
, and they are the most consistent set of songs on the new album.
is at his finest with a lyrical clarity that is typically dark, intelligent and swaggering.
's rippling accompaniment is rightfully complimentary to define that
have stayed in tune to what makes them an effective unit.
doesn't possess the initial fiery power of the band's first four albums, but the underlying concept that brought
together in 1978 is what matters, and this album holds true to such a bond. ~ MacKenzie Wilson