This album starts off with “The Erasure”, this very animated, jittery Dance Punk track. Like, sure, it’s a little underwritten. But as far as performances go, Spiritual Cramp have so much personality. From the Ghoulish vocals to the attitude in the lyrics, there’s just so much to take in. Not to mention, I do really love how they continue to have such a wide array of influences. There’s some funk in here and some brilliant percussion. And yes, if you’re not into these vocal stylings, this may just rub you the wrong way. But I love this. On the other hand, “Upset Stomach” picks things up into a nice upbeat, grimier, darker Post Punk tune. Like, when these guys are on, they are ON. I love the dueling vocals here that are both aggressive and freakish as hell. It’s so straightforward, and it still makes me want to get up and groove. But Spiritual Cramp continues to be so good at bringing out what was once truly great about these sounds in the early 80’s. But it’s not polished or fake sounding, it’s rugged as hell. “Northern Soul Search” takes things down a notch but continues to stick around that same very classic, true to form Post Punk. But here, it almost comes off like too much of an imitation. Like, this is literally ripping right out of bands like Television, which isn’t necessarily a terrible thing. But let’s be real, here the band doesn’t really sound nearly as animated and freakish, which is something I’ve always gravitated towards. Of all of the tracks here, this is easily the most underwhelming. But on the other hand, “Television” has a serious Dance Punk vibe. Here, I love just how freakish and campy the band sound. But they make it work wonderfully. The riff is just so straightforward and crisp sounding, and it absolutely gives this a little bit of an edge. And I just love how sonic this one comes off. It’s such a simple sound that nobody capitalizes on. And while I prefer these guys at their more aggressive, this is a great sound. Now, honestly, “Pretty Vacant” is a really nice surprise. Spiritual Cramp here cover Sex Pistols, and yea, it’s always nice to throw in a cover every once in a while. And now, while this isn’t as aggressive and as wild as the original, I actually really love how scuzzy and fuzzy this one is. The band just sound so tortured, which changes this song entirely. It’s over-the-top, it’s artsy, but it’s also just so damn ghoulish and freaky. This isn’t the easiest track to cover, any Sex Pistols track is. But the boys did well.
Now, “Lovers Town Revisited” is a real shot out of the dark, and honestly, I love it. This is a stripped down tune, with only a few vocals and guitars, and while it’s not acoustic is almost has that feel. Hell, this almost has a Folk Punk vibe to it. It’s also worth noting, this is by far the shorts track here by far. But it has that great personality, catchy riff, and is just so damn well written that it ends up being one of my favorite tracks here. On the other hand, “Spiritual Cramp” is an absolute ripper, and has been since I first heard it months ago. It’s completely off the rails with this unstoppable riff, and I love just how freakin’ harsh some of the vocals come off, sounding like they’re going to break through the album and just rip you to fucking shreds. It’s a hell of a Punk tune. “850 Bryant” on the other hand goes back in a more experimental direction. It’s sort of a Reggae infuse tune that has almost a Clash “Guns Of Brixton” feel to it. Not only that, but this sort of political vibe to this is just really classy, and shows that the band has a whole lot of range. Now, if you’re into hearing this band go wild, you’re not going to be into this, period. But it’s a really slick, groovy tune that shows a different side to Spiritual Cramp. Now, after all this time, “I Feel Bad Bein' Me” is a track I’m not too nuts about. As a matter of fact, this is a bit of a low point for me. I like the nasty riff and upbeat vibe. But vocals this is a major downfall for the band. Here, they don’t come off as anything more than a cheap imitation. Like some of the other tracks early on, hear Spiritual Cramp here just come off like a cover band, which is just something that they have to really look out for. However, between you and me, “Blood Clot” should have been a single. This track is an absolute gem. I love the patience-testing opening riff and just how dark and hypnotic this is. Vocally, this is just the right amount of theatrics. But outside of that, I freakin’ love how incredibly rowdy this one is. Like, I can’t listen to this without picturing some over-the-top, goth-themed bar singing along with every note. And honestly, it’s a freakin’ unique sound that I can’t say I’ve heard anywhere else. And yea, it’s not too vicious and it’s on the slow side. But it’s incredibly exciting, and I really want to hear more and more of this.
Now, “All My Friends Are Out Tonight (Alright)” isn’t exactly my favorite of the bunch. Especially when you look at these slower, groove bases tunes, this just doesn’t scratch the right itches. However, I do think the very hypnotic group vocals are fantastic and a great touch. But I just wish this track was even more over the top. Go crazy, get wild, let loose guys, because here they just sound stiff. But “Tenderloin” is still such a cool track to me, especially of all of these more upbeat tracks. The very nocturnal, slick bass line is just freakin’ classy and dreary. Not to mention, these are easily some of the most passionate and intense vocals of the entire album, believe it or not. It’s moments like that that almost have an Art Punk flair, almost like something Wire would touch. This is the gloomy, but still, just as over the top sound, they should focus on. Now, this is a really great album, or compilation (whatever you prefer). And a lot of tracks here still sound just as good as a few months ago. But “Wrecking Machine” has lessened on me. This one is just so over-the-top and goofy, not to mention it’s easily one of the album’s lowest moments from a songwriting stance. But “The Ice Age Isn't Fucking Coming” ends off this album is absolutely a ripper to end this album off on. And if you’re looking for THE Spiritual Cramp sound, this is the one to check out. I love just how anxious this track is, and I love how vicious and twisted this is. It may not be the traditional Hardcore or even Horror Punk sound, but there are all sorts of nods. This is just the right amount of ridiculous, and it makes me so damn happy to hear.
Rating: 8.7/10
Give A Listen To: “The Erasure”, “The Ice Age Isn't Fucking Coming”, “Lovers Town Revisited”, “Blood Clot”
Least Favorite Track: “Northern Soul Search”
Genre: Post-Punk / Dance Punk
Overall Thoughts: Spiritual Cramp combine their first two EP’s, throw in a cover and some new tracks for their first full-length album. But if this is what we’re getting so early in their career, ladies and gentlemen the future is looking bright for these genres. This album is packed with tight, aggressive, anxious and freakish recordings that are brimming with anger and personality. Sometimes you may want to groove, sometimes you may want to revolt, and while this is technically a compilation it comes off like something much more fluid. If you’re not aware of these guys yet, you will be.
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