Only 6 months after the release of their debut mini album
'Babyteeth' Therapy? unveiled their second mini album, 'Pleasure Death' in
January 1992. It is clearly discernible how much the band has already grown in
this short time. The sound hasn't changed much but rather nuts and bolts have
been tightened making the trio sharper both performance-wise and
songwriting-wise. The beat disco rhythms still carries weight through the songs
even though Therapy? are shaping it into something new, something that belongs
to only them.
'Skinning Pit' opens up the proceedings with tribal
dance-inducing drums and thumping bass guitar leads the way until Cairns' guitar joins in.
The danceability throughout this onslaught is captivating as is Fyfe Ewing's
drumming. 'Fantasy Bag' follows and is kind of slow for being Therapy? Although
it picks up. But it definitely shows why their debut 'Nurse' sounds the way it
does, more on that recording in the future though. Chugging guitars, vocal
harmonies and that intense interplay between Ewing
and McKeegan is bar none. Full on metal/punk is what 'Shitkicker' brings and it
is furious, pulsating and brutally in your face. 'Prison Breaker' is mid-tempo
with danceable beats and creepy distorted vocals from Cairns. It all speeds up in the latter
stages. 'D.L.C.' is an odd jazzy punk explosion: instrumental, short, sharp and
brain melting! 'Potato Junkie' closes out the EP and the band is not holding
back whatsoever. Frantic and manic in the verses with hooks and harmonies in
the chorus. Add the crazy James Joyce mid-section and you have Therapy? to a
tee. Perfect ending to this great EP.
The band found their way quickly how they wanted to sound
and their already existing prowess as songsmiths and musicians improved
dramatically between 'Babyteeth' and 'Pleasure Death'. Therapy?'s determination
and goals are very apparent and as a listener and fan where they already are
with 'Pleasure Death' it is such pleasure – pun intended – to listen how they
throw caution to the wind and dive head first into their quest with no abandon.
This is EP is the natural step forward for them and they let nothing stop them.
Comments