Serpentine Gallery

Switchblade Symphony | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 19, 1995)
• Original Release Date: September 11, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cleopatra
• ASIN: B000001JTG
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #133,703 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #95 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Goth & Industrial

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite simply, an absolute must-have, December 9, 1998

By 

"noctros" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serpentine Gallery (Audio CD)

I had never heard of Switchblade Symphony when I bought Wired Injections, a Cleopatra various artists disc. The song of theirs on that disc, "Clown," had me completely entranced. It took me months to find the elusive disc that was mentioned in the liner notes on WI, and when I did finally see it, it was mine. While I was searching for it, I heard "Wallflower" on Gothic Rock 2, which only made me want the disc more. Since the day I got it, it has become one of my all-time favorite discs. If it were a tape or record album, it would be totally worn out by now. This is a disc that you can put in, turn the lights down low, sit back and just drift to. Even my fiance like them, and she doesn't like "goth" music. It's almost impossible for me to pick a single favorite from it, although I'm tempted to say "Clown." It was the one that first entranced me, and it continues to do so to this day. However, it has very strong contenders in "Sweet," "Gutter Glitter," "Mine Eyes," and "Dollhouse." The ending instrumental, "Bloody Knuckles," is the perfect way to end such a perfect album. Bravo, ladies. 5 out of 5.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bad trash? I think not!, December 5, 2003

By 

Clarissa "MoonGoddess" (Ontario, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Serpentine Gallery (Audio CD)

It's a pity how Switchblade Symphony broke up after only bringing three albums out of brand new material but at least they left us Goth junkies with some memorable tunes that shalt not be forgotten. 'Serpentine Gallery' is a notable CD that should be in the collection of all those who enjoy the darker side of music, but without sounding satanic. This album contains some sure classics, such as "Dollhouse", "Mine Eyes" and "Gutter Glitter" (the chorus being a gloomy mantra of the children's play rhyme, "London Bridge Is Falling Down", which still gives me the creeps), but I personally feel that 'The Three Calamities' is an overall better record that's less redundant and more consistent, although I'm sure many people would love to disagree with me and I'm totally cool with that. To each their own, right?

Tina Root is the main vocalist and she reminds me of The Creature's Siouxsie (a common comparison in this specific genre). Susan Wallace sometimes underlies and harmonizes the singing parts that accent the brooding melodies but she mostly takes care of the synthesizers and programming while Robin Jacobs provide the guitars, bass and drumming on "Wrecking Yard" and, one of my favorite tracks, "Clown". And if you're obsessed with the words, the lyrics are all included inside the booklet.

I really hope that Switchblade Symphony team up again but it's very unlikely... However, wishful thinking can't hurt ... much, anyway.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The spirit of Grace Slick is alive and well, December 3, 2000

By 

S. Gustafson "Holy Roman Emperor" (New Albany, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Serpentine Gallery (Audio CD)

Forget labels, forget the way they dress.

This record is an excellent piece of 90's electronic psychedelia, with lyrics that are hardly as eeeevil as some folks here would make them out to be. As a first album, this record contains several years' worth of tested material.

But what makes this group stand head and shoulders above its peers is the phenomenal voice of Tina Root. Think: Grace Slick with -range-. Unlike some of her contemporaries, she knows her lyrics won't carry the impact they should, unless she e-nun-ci-ates. Just about every track sounds like a -White Rabbit- with 90's electronic instrumentation.

I know I like music like that. If you think you would, forget the scene, forget the clothes, this is a good record.