Share the post "Album reviews: THERAPY? – Troublegum/Infernal Love re-issues"
Troublegum (3CD) ****
Infernal Love (2CD) ***
[Released 31st March 2014]
Two Deluxe Editions from Universal, celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Troublegum’.
The Irish indie/alternative/punk metal band formed in the late 80s and after a couple of indie releases, signed to A&M. ‘Troublegum’ was the band’s fourth full album and kicks off with rough yet punchy “knives”, a touch shouty and full of energy, followed by the recognisable “Screamager”.
Much of the album is full of grungy riffs. These range from noise metal to beefed up grunge, with odd nods to catchy punk metal (imagine Green Day with balls). Not my thing but given the angles it’s easy to see why the album was so popular in 1994; there were several singles taken from the album that most (even the non fan) will recognise. The 3CD Deluxe edition contains the dog’s bollocks and mutt’s nuts, and the sweepings off the floor too – with alternate mixes, single B-sides, EP tracks and live tracks, a monster package. As a more classic metal fan I did have an OMG moment with the cover of Judas Priest’s “Breaking The Law” – a good riff and good drum line – but they just don’t connect. They’re dimensions so far apart that you need String Theory to reconcile.
The following year’s ‘Infernal Love’ was a slight change of direction – a rougher sound with tracks connected with a soundscape of ambient and industrial effects and melodies.
Some of the chunkier tracks (segments of “Bowels Of Love”) work well, but the strumming, like the industrial soundscapes (within and between tracks) just don’t work so well. It is a moody, brooding and occasionally angry affair.
Again this album, this Deluxe edition a 2CD affair, is stuffed with bonuses, that include live and acoustic numbers.
Both albums, much like the band’s sound, are very much of the mid 90s metal of the non classic variety. ‘Troublegum’ stands out in the indie/punk/alternative/grunge genre and has some catchy tracks, while ‘Infernal Love’ I found a lot more difficult for the non-fan to get into.
Review by Joe Geesin
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album reviews: THERAPY? – Troublegum/Infernal Love re-issues"