![\"\"](\"http:\/\/rpmonline.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/a2299226530_10.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHuddersfield\u2019s finest release their tenth studio album. After the loosely conceptual albums \u2018The Terrifying Dream\u2019 and \u2018Chronica\u2019, the lead tracks \u2018Horse With No Face\u2019 and \u2018An Error Occurred\u2019 suggested a more feral, focussed sound this time round. And it is a righteous racket, indeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Big Ideas\u2019 lurches from the speakers, lop-sided and menacing. If a song can drag one leg behind it, this one does. As the chorus hits, \u201cthe woman of my conscience looks like Servalan\u201d, a reminder of the marvellous Jacqueline Pearce, for those of a certain age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018An Error Occurred\u2019 is like a slap to the face, in the nicest way. It\u2019s pared back, lean, like The Fall on steroids, with the signature punchy bass of Steven Morricone. \u2018Decade With No Name\u2019 keeps up the pace. What can I say? It sounds like The Scaramangas. You\u2019ll love it or be confused and walk away. Which is fine; they attract a particular type of devotion, not unlike their previous mentor, Tim Smith. They have a way with their backing vocals which is unlike anyone else, it often draws me in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Boy\u2019 is the first drop in tempo. While Steven, Paul and Julia are all fine singers, I\u2019m sure they realise that it\u2019s Paul\u2019s voice that is the secret weapon. Lush, he veers here between sinister and loving. His solo album from last year, \u2018Cruel Designs\u2019 is a highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I first heard \u2018Horse With No Face\u2019, I was puzzled, mainly by the deliberately off key backing vocals, but, as is often the case, it\u2019s grown on me. I expect it to be particularly fierce live. \u2018Dog Form\u2019, with military drums and a bridge that surprises, is suitably odd and addictive. \u2018Cults\u2019 even throws in a bit of Showaddywaddy. Expect the unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n