CYNICS
Living Is The Best Revenge (Get Hip)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

---

Who woulda thunk that we'd be seeing a brand new Cynics album in 2002? The band went out with a bang on their last album, 1994's fantastic "Get Our Way," and I was bummed that they wouldn't be following it up with another long-player. A couple of years ago, the band regrouped around lead singer Michael Kastelic and guitarist Gregg Kostelich, bringing back former drummer Tom Hohn (who played on the great 1990 "Rock And Roll" LP, as well as 1993's somewhat lackluster "Learn To Lose" LP) and adding former Pleasure Heads/Honeyburst bassist Smith Hutchings. Then they journeyed to Austin and recorded this album with producer Tim Kerr, who also sat in on guitar and backing vox. Occasional Jack O' Fire/Lord High Fixers member Patches added some of his tasteful Hammond organ to the proceedings, as well. This proved to be a good move as this is one killer album! From the opening fuzz and lead snarl of "Turn Me Loose," you know you're in Cynics territory! The CD runs the gamut from the garage-pop of "Marianne" - featuring great fuzz bass - and "Let me Know," to the full-on garage punk of "Makin' Deals" (originally by the Satans!) and "The Tone." There are also choice interpretations of two fab '60s psychedelic nuggets: "She Lives (In A Time Of Her Own)" by the 13th Floor Elevators and "You Never Had It Better" by the Electric Prunes. Then there's the album closer, an amazing, melancholy, trippy tune called "Shine" that kicks into this incredible free-form jazz-punk jam in the middle. Absolutely essential listening!!

[Pick this up at www.gethip.com.]

© 2003 - Alan Wright