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Continuing in the darkly epic vein of 1999s
The Contino Sessions, Death In Vegass
Scorpio Rising layers psychedelic fuzz and electronic scenery over slow-burning dance-rock. DIVs DJ duo Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes veer madly between new wave revivalism ("Hands Around My Throat") and straight-up rock remakes ("So You Say You Lost Your Baby"), with shoegazer clamor and goth treacle in the crawlspaces. Like
Sessions, the record features high-profile guest vocalists; this time,
Oasiss Liam Gallagher,
Mazzy Stars
Hope Sandoval and former
Jam frontman
Paul Weller are on hand to juice up the records pop-dance hybrid appeal. Gallagher has the most success, putting his scruffy rock god pose to good use on the intensely catchy title track. Theres nothing here that significantly changes the bands formula, but
Scorpio Rising stays interesting and relevant with a jumble of high drama and chaotic influences. --
Matthew Cooke
After riding out the big-beat backlash by wandering into dark territories on their sophomore effort, 1999s The Contino Sessions, Richard Fearless band of two offers a pleasant surprise on this, their third disc. Instead of a descent into the depths of Fearless perma-sunglassed, take-himself-too-seriously persona, the duo, which also includes Tim Holmes, offers a curious but highly enjoyable mix of experimental beats and good old-fashioned guitar rock.Always fond of the occasional axe break, DiV go the whole hog on Scorpio Rising, drafting in proper band leaders like Liam Gallagher (Oasis), Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) and even mod hero Paul Weller, growling to good effect on the Gene Vincent cover "So You Say You Lost Your Baby." Gallaghers cut is probably the standout though, putting brother Noels Chemical Brothers efforts to shame as he roars over Fearless Beatles-esque backward loops.Together, Scorpio is a startling collection of odd beats and diverse tempos. Mr. Fearless, we salute you.
Simon Hawkins