Repetitive Passions

Press, 26 November 1981, Page 14

Repetitive Passions

THE PASSIONS “30,000 Feet Over . China” (Polydor 2383616). ‘ I was expecting something a bit stronger than this, pleasant though it is. The Passions are in a league of their own in one category very soft, guitar-propelled pop. Barbara Gogan’s vocals are invariably high to complement the music. The big track on this album, of course, is .“I’m , In Love With A German Film Star.” It died at the market here, not surprisingly, through lack of radio airplay, yet it seems that it’s just the sort of song that radio programmers would like. Clean, .well-produced, and inoffensive. A song this good isn’t ■necessarily bland, mind. Film Star” is not iny favourite from the Alburn, though. - Two tracks from an excellent John " Peel session, ■.“ Bachelor Girls” and “Some-

thing Special,” are. the treats. On the former, the .refreshing quality of the tune 'is augmented by a change in approach, writing about people who hang around in bars waiting to be picked up! It took The Passions to tell us that the .girls do it too! The original 'intro of “Something Special” has been dissolved a little, but it's still a minor ;gem. .. . “Bachelor Girls” is the only worth while track on side two,, to my ears. The others are melodic fast or slower tunes, but don’t leave any impression. That includes the last single, “Skin Deep” which failed to capture the chart attention that “German Film Star” did, in England. The fault with “Skin Deep” carries through most of the album — it’s an attempt to do “German Film Star” again, but, as many one-hit wonders will testify, a formula only really shines once.

“30,000 Feet Over China” is nice, while you’re listening to it, but when the record’ends, it’s hard to remember anything but the hit; and “Bachelor Girls,”

KILLING JOKE “Whitt’s THIS F0r...!” (Polygram 2311082). Killing Joke are one of the most popular acts on the British independent circuit. Killing Joke have never put out a bad record. Killing Joke have never put out a subtle record, either.

The first self-titled album was on a limited import in New Zealand. A loud, searing indictment on “life” as Killing Joke saw it, it’s intended impact was marked by the gross urban decay scene on the cover.

“What’s THIS F0r...!” is more of the same, and is perhaps only marginally less enjoyable because the formula hasn’t changed too much. But it should be new for most readers who aren’t afraid to try something different (and if no-one did that, where would we be).

It has been said that Killing Joke are just a heavy metal band. Well, that’s true — listen to the grinding bass and guitar sounds. But there are no solos, as each instrument batters, in most cases, a song to death together. The ears really perk up to frantic rhythms like those

displayed in the two sides of a single, “Follow The Leaders,” and “Tension.” “Follow The Leaders, who could believe her?” drone the vocals on the former, an obvious shot at Mrs Margaret Thatcher... This band doesn’t seem to be happy about anything, so they put their aggression into their music and we’re pleased to get the result. Drums crash violently into a bubbling guitar/bass line in the intro — great stuff! “Tension” reactivates the old Gary Glitter “Hello Hello I'm Back Again” riff, which is always welcome on my turntable.

"Exit” and “Butcher” are bursts in the same vein. It can be seen from the titles that the mood of the album is serious. But Killing Joke, in interviews, insist that they’re not to be feared.

This record was “written off” overseas, probably because it does repeat some ground from the great debut. But it’s not a bad record at all. Killing Joke are not leaders, but they’re worth following. (A tip of the hat for the Australasian distributors, Polygram, for making available the original Malici-. ous Damage company label on the New Zealand pressing.) — DAVID SWIFT.