FORTRESS MADONNA
One Hundred Beacons (Laughing Outlaw)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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There are so many people listed as members of Fortress Madonna that one wonders if it's occurred to them to apply for group health insurance benefits. The information supplied with the CD tells the story of Alex Serikov, who was a member of the Soviet gymnastic team at the 1988 Olympics and, it is claimed, was recruited by the KGB shortly after those games. Intriguing stuff, that. The story goes on to claim Serikov is at the center of this musical collective, but a look at the actual liner notes tells me he's only credited as a cellist. Hardly the center of this music. My point? Um, that sometimes we get some bizarre stories handed to us and end up not having a clue who's actually playing or singing what. Whoever this is, I'm a fan. Two speeds: moderate and mysterious with a haunting gallop reminiscent of mid-period Blue Oyster Cult, and fast and frantic, jangly and reckless and urgent and difficult not to get swept up in. Not every idea works out, but with the soundscape as crowded as it is, it's a miracle so many do. Those that do - and they are the majority - come out with the spark and wallop of a high tension wire, on the loose and dangerously close. Grab on.

© 2003 - DJ Johnson