The Cult - "Choice Of Weapon" album

It's been some years (5 to be precise) since we heard from the Cult, and this set of tunes may be the best showing since their 1989 breakthrough "Sonic Temple".

The first single, "For The Animals", is a catchy hard rock tune, but it's cuts like the opener, "Amnesia", that really shine. Billy Duffy's guitars here harken back to the band's psychedelic acid-rock days, and Ian Astbury's finally confident vocals summon both Jim Morrison and British heavy metal equally. "Embers" is another standout -- a dramatic and bluesy ballad that fits in well with the Cult's legacy and widely-varied back catalogue. Maybe the presence of producer Bob Rock (who worked with the band in it's heyday) is a factor in this rejuvenation.

Suffice to say, "Choice Of Weapon" is the best assimilation of the band's heyday (think "Love") and their more metallic ("Sonic Temple" as a reference point). At last, an album that fans of any Cult era can appreciate equally. Rock solid, boys. (Cooking Vinyl)

The Cult official site

BXI (Boris & Ian Astbury) - "BXI" EP

A surprise (and surprisingly good) set of 4 tunes, 3 of which feature vocals by Cult frontman Ian Astbury. Opening with the raw "Teeth And Claws", BXI showcases Boris' stoner-rock leanings well, and the added vocals by Astbury take it to an almost-radio-ready zone. The molasses-thick Melvins-like "We Are Witches" is heavier, and makes the later-period Cult material sound that much more anemic. This is a refreshing new sound experiment for Astbury, and the deep, grinding guitars and percussive thud of Boris provide a great backdrop. The cover of the seminal 1985 Cult hit "Rain" is faithful enough, with ethereal female vocals in place of Astbury, but it works well. The final track, "Magickal Child", is a slower ballad of sorts, but with Boris' chunky riffs and massive drums, it's epic. Good stuff, especially for Cult fans who've been turned off by that band's later material. Boris fans may see BXI as being too commercial, but I think it works well. I await the full-length from these international collaborators! (Southern Lord)

Borispace

The Cult