Future Of The Left
Travels With Myself And Another

Listening to Falkous's repertoire, I always had the impression that this musician had figured it all out, always managing to excellently mix Pixies-like fury, Rotten-style raucous vocals, and a disarming simplicity in the musical structure of each song. What a fantastic creature those McLusky were, who shook the underground with practically perfect records. Especially that "Do Dallas" which still spins continuously in my stereo. Then the fairy tale ended, and I hesitantly approached his new creation, Future Of The Left, and that "Curses!" which gradually managed to win me over thanks to the contrast between the old (McLusky-style) and the new (the fundamental contribution of new bassist Mathias, the excellent production of the backing vocals, the presence of minimal and decidedly punk keyboards).

"Travels with myself and another" (title taken from the book by Martha Gellhorn) is the continuation of the previous work: 12 songs for half an hour and a little of healthy distorted rock, Falkousian tunes, tight rhythms and often schizophrenic.

The opening "Arming Eritrea" is the worthy opening track for the Future world: guitar in minor tuning, demonic voice, enigmatic lyrics in Andrew's best tradition, distorted and prominently featured bass, minimalistic but not simple drums. "Chin music" reminds me of some sounds present in the last Mclusky album "The Difference Between Me And You Is That I'm Not On Fire": the peculiarity lies in the guitar which, thanks to the Octaver, approaches the sounds produced by the keyboard.

"The Hope That House Built" is the leading track of the album. Accompanied by a fun video, it is the song that synthesizes the group's ability to blend purely alternative sounds with choruses and vocal harmonies worthy of a pop song.

"Throwing Bricks At Trains" is a synth-punk piece that introduces us to "I Am Civil Service", where the tried and tested formula of Curses embraces a funk-like rhythm. "You Need Satan More Than He Needs You" (I sometimes wonder how Falkous manages to come up with such titles) is perhaps the real surprise of the album: the syncopated drums provide a perfect sound carpet for the chemical sounds of the keyboards.

"Drink Nite", also featured on their live album, is a power song that ironically takes on the prevailing trends among young people; musically, it reconnects to the old punk of "Stand By Your Manatee".

The closing piece "Lapsed Catholics" presents us with the group's most melodic and pop side (the first part: lopsided folk) and the rougher side (distorted guitar and bass, shouted vocals in the final tail).

There are no big surprises for those already familiar with their musical path, but their music once again manages to get us off our chairs and makes us want to headbang and have fun. The rating might increase over time, as it did with "Curses!".