Primal Scream in general

In case you hadn't noticed, Primal Scream have released a new album, which is actually rather good. Not much has been said about 'Evil Heat' in the weeks prior to its release, which is a shame really. 'Xtrmntr', the band's genre-defying, sonically-challenging previous release, seemed to herald a terrifying new post-millennial era in the music world. It didn't unfortunately, but at the time, it sounded like the end of the world had been initiated. Fast forward to 2002. Steps are gone, but Darius is here. Hooray! Nothing much may have changed, but Primal Scream are back. And in just over forty minutes, they crap on every musical fad that has ...  Read the complete review

Exterminator is the scream's 6th LP and the last released by the now defunct Creation label. The band's sound has progressed from Vanishing Point's brooding dubby textures into a more brutal no-holds-barred approach, resulting in some blistering rock songs like "Accelerator" and "MBV Arkestra" (Both produced by ex-My Bloody Valentine recluse Kevin Shields). It's a total blast to listen to and is a blistering riposte to the sceptics who thought that the Scream would never equal the mighty Screamadelica LP. Bobby Gillespie's lyrical concerns have even become more transparently politicised, no doubt due to the influence of ...  Read the complete review

After the dubby "Vanishing Point", "Xtrmntr" is Primal Scream's angry political album. This aptly titled effort seems in many ways to be the evil twin of Primal Scream's brilliant 1991 release, "Screamadelica". On a near equal footing quality-wise with that groundbreaking masterpiece, "Xtrmntr" is a much, much darker affair. Whereas "Screamadelica" played like a sunny, opiated soundtrack to the quintessential hippie commune, Primal Scream is in a full-throttle rage on "Xtrmntr". The message is one of complete dissatisfaction with just about everything, and the music does a remarkable job of ...  Read the complete review

Primal Scream have turned their hand to a number of different forms of music, and the results have always been accomplished and enjoyable. As such, there are few people to whom I could not recommend at least some of their music. If you are a fan of electronic, dancey stuff, then Exterminator is a good buy - merging said style with rock influences to create a fairly intense sound. If you prefer your electronica to be more chilled, then Vanishing Point is well recommended, where the likes of Star will keep you happy. If you're an indie/alternative type of person, then again this album would be a good buy, with more than enough guitars and strange samples for ...  Read the complete review

I don't usually write music reviews, as I'm not very good at them, but I had to tell everyone what a great night I had last week. Last Friday I went to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club ( great band, ace performance! ) and Primal Scream at London Brixton Academy. And what a performance Primal Scream gave. The band were so full of energy I couldn't believe it...Bobby Gillespie ( vocals ) was jumping around like a lunatic throughout the whole gig. The audience ( including me ) were shouting " Rise " after the first 2 songs, and when the opening guitar riff of Rise began, we all went crazy! What a night! The Academy was totally packed, ...  Read the complete review