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Slinky Vagabond
The Eternal Return
(Self-released)
This sophomore album from collaborators Keanan Duffty and Fabio Fabbri features guest spots from “David Bowie alums Ava Cherry and Mike Garson (David Bowie’s pianist), along with Percy Jones (bassist for Kate Bush, Suzanne Vega, Brian Eno), Dom Beken (Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets, The Orb), Christian Dryden (The Ritualists), and co-write credits from Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) and Earl Slick (David Bowie, John Lennon).”
It’s a massive stew of glam, punk, and post-punk influences, and were it not for the precise production involved, one would think this is a lost gem from the early ’80s.
One almost wishes that this was a little more murky and dirty, as the cleanness on cuts such as “Icarus Falls” introduces an element of sterility that undermines the gloomy lyrical atmosphere.
That said, the soaring guitar work on “I Can Fly” or the jaunty power pop of “Earthman Go Home” manages to overwhelm the production values and sing true as fantastic works of Beatles-inspired, psych-tinged rock ‘n’ roll.
The transparent red vinyl comes in a fairly standard jacket with a printed inner sleeve loaded with who contributed to which track. It’s mastered well with a fabulous low end.