Opening with 'Without MSG I Am Nothing,' as-per-usual there is not one song title included that isn't highly original and/ or ridiculously amusing.  Straight away a coolly angular guitar riff squares up to a fantastic and very catchy chorus, before single-release 'That Man Will Not Hang' proves to be just as 'pop'-centred come the middle of the song.

Hell, they sound like the fabulous Jet Plane Landing in magical rushes, though the uplifting and melodic pop splendour of 'She Will Only Bring You Happiness' (“Be strong, be proud, be able, be charmed”) is brightly buoyed by the spirit of bands such as Seafood and A.  As for the terse inclusion of the lyric “Our old singer is a sex criminal”, I couldn't verify such speculation – I suppose the band knows best…

Mclusky aren't afraid to be potentially controversial in their ways.  More importantly, they aren't afraid to boldly experimental, as 'Your Children Are Waiting For You To Die' doesn't kick in with its drumbeat or sinister guitar-work before a bizarre guitar instrumental has played on for over a minute.  Somewhat similarly, the closing track 'Support Systems' messes with the listener's mind, and the tension and enthralling atmospherics that Mclusky employ might remind of Mogwai's by certain degrees.

For all Mclusky love being truly ‘alternative’ in their raw punk-rock ways, the upbeat rawk of 'Icarus Smicarus' (imbued with the energy of their classic 'Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues' anthem) is evidence enough that not all their songs are overly dark by nature.  In fact, some of their melodies and hooks are so 'poppy' you really do not know how to adequately categorise these guys and their consistently outstanding material.  I've always found it easier to not even try to.   Listen to their music and leave them be.
(5/5)

Release Date: 17 May 2004