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Album Details

• Artist: Skunk Anansie
• Album: Post Orgasmic Chill
• Label: Virgin Records
• Year of Release: 1999
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-01-10

Combining hard rock elements with pop, space rock, and punk layers, this album shows a very versatile and talented band that will not be tied to one musical style. All the musicians put in strong performances, but Skin’s vocals often steal the show. The lineup on this release is Skin, Ace, Cass and Mark.

The opening cut, “Charlie Big Potato,” provides a great example of what’s in store here. A Hawkwindish space rock intro leads to a techno beat. This gives way to a crunchy rhythmic groove that has a great percussive texture. The vocals come in in a very Debbie Harryish manner. The bridge takes on more moody pop tones, perhaps a bit in the mode of Garbage. As the harder edged segment takes control again, the vocals really take on a lot of meat. Keyboards here alternate between eastern tones and classically tinged elements.

The next number, “On My Hotel TV” shows off another side of the group. A Zeppelinish groove, this one includes some vocals that call to mind Bridget Wishhart`s work in Hawkwind a bit. The cut takes on moments that are more typical of bands such as Godsmack and Smashing Pumpkins a bit later. Then, We Don’t Need Who You Think We Are” is a very powerful hard rocker with incredible vocals and a strong arrangement that shows a lot of dynamic contrast. This one really has many intriguing changes in its alterations between hard rocking material and more mellow material. They turn in a bluesy ballad with rock elements on “Tracy’s Flaw.” The cut even includes some classical strings from emphasis.

Talking about Skunk Anansie, it’s not possible to overstate how powerful Skin’s vocals really are. She has an amazing point. It’s really a tribute to the band, though, that they create music that doesn’t get overshadowed by her singing. This album is highly recommended to hard rock fans with a sense of adventure.

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