Primal Scream - Chaosmosis
4/10
Need an introduction? Primal Scream, with more than a little assistance from Andrew Weatherall, created their genre blurring classic third album, Screamadelica, in 1991, trading in differing styles and approaches ever since; dub, krautrock and Stonesesque southern boogie all helped us get loaded, and have a good time.
What’s left in the tank after nearly thirty years together? First track and second single Trippin’ On Your Love is as bad as it advertises itself to be, Italia-House piano over Madchester lite fluff. (Feeling Like) A Demon Again is utterly forgettable, all filler no killer plodding on. I Can Change is like a Gorillaz remixing app, devoid of identity. First single Where The Light Gets In has me fooled; it’s urgent pop and catchy chorus gets me listening. Maybe the Scream are back, just in time for the summer festival season? Towards the end Golden Rope has some balls, motorific and rocking, sounding like they were at the meeting at least, but it’s too little too late. Lyrically and musically the overwhelming sense is of contractual obligation rather than inspiration. Chaosmosis is not changing any games, or even attempting to play one, the band haven’t even phoned it in; sounds more like they got their mate to text in work to let them know they’re off sick. Come on guys, you have a legacy to consider!
Dig out that CD of Vanishing Point instead, and remember when they took risks and made art.
4/10
