Search - Pete Shelley, Howard Devoto :: Buzzkunst

24-carat gold! (Well, OK, 18-carat at least)

Miles Durrie | Canada | 04/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To call this album an experiment is risky: the term might evoke bilious recollections of self-indulgent, misguided excesses like Lou Reed's "Metal Machine Music" or Neil Young's "Trans" or even Dave Edmunds' "Information." But experiments can also produce brilliant, revelatory outcomes, and when the alchemists are Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto, one can't be blamed for expecting a golden result.
The duo, paired for the first time since Devoto walked away from the Buzzcocks in 1977, doesn't disappoint on this dense, intriguing, smooth and very cool album.
Shelley and Devoto today have little left to prove, and are able simply to create. Create they do, with the instrumental tracks providing fascinating breaks between some of the most compelling and provocative lyrics of the century so far. The creative interplay between these two living legends of punk/new wave/alternative rock on "Buzzkunst" ignited a fire whose embers continue to glow (witness the triumphant new self-titled Buzzcocks album).
This album is required listening for any serious fan of modern music. So why don't I give it five stars? Well, there's an '80s-reminiscent faux-arty quality to Devoto's voice on some of the tracks that I just can't get past. Just personal taste, I guess! Still, I recommend this CD without hesitation."

Finally!! Shelley and Devoto Back Together!!!

Randy Nicolosi | Shelton, CT United States | 04/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, after all these years Shelley and Devoto put an album out together. As a long time fan I was worried it wouldn't live up to expectations and hopes. Boy was I wrong! This record takes off like a shot with brilliant pop/punk tunes and Howard's voice has never been better. The sound is outstanding, reminiscent of Devoto's solo records, deep bass, clean clear sound. You'll find yourself humming these indelible tunes all day long...All I can say is buy this record and crank it up! It's my pick for best record of the year so far, and an amazing surprise!!!"

See them shining

Sandra Mandelis | 04/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got into Howard Devoto's in the last year, and since his last album (beast box-Luxuria) was out in 1990, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he and Pete Shelley had collaborated on a recording for the first time in 25 years. I first listened to it with some trepidation, and my first reaction was "This is either really good or really bad". I didn't listen to it for another day but soon gave it another chance and by then, I had decided it was really good. The biggest appeal is the originality; the electronic sounds might not be the most innovative but with Devoto's trademark growling/singing it is truly something new. As always, Devoto's lyrics are touching and intelligent. There are three or four instrumental tracks, the best of which is "Strain of Bacteria" which sounds like the soundtrack to a biological documentary.
If you're a fan of electronica, check this out, it's different and new, and it deserves a chance. Fans of Howard Devoto will be pleased to hear him sounding as good as he did in his Magazine days."