Search - Cult :: Born Into This

Lacking that definitive hook, solo, or melody

Deranged Trail | Simi Valley, CA | 07/23/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Before I get to Born Into This, I must get something out of the way that bothers me about this great band: one reviewer stated about the 1994 album that The Cult doesn't have an ear for their own best tunes. I agree. For most of their albums, they leave off tunes I consider better than the ones to make the cut, and I am left scrambling for the imports or singles. It happened as early as Dreamtime(Bonebag is a great tune and should have been on the US version), likewise for Love (I LOVE Little Face, but it's only on a rare pressing), Electric, when The Manor Sessions were first recorded (Love Trooper and others from Manor are among my all time faves of theirs), it happened again with BG and E (Libertine was amazing), and, yes, it happened again for this album. In my opinion, Stand Alone and War Pony Destroyer are the two best songs and most Cult-like that only made the Savage Edition. Something MUST change!



Now, to this album. As others have stated, the band is tight and plays well as a unit, but we have a lack of composition here. Something is just missing. There is energy. Energy needs to be harnessed and directed. That added touch that defines vintage Cult isn't present. There are hints of potential, but it's ultimately a misfire. Billy's leads are sparse; I only counted 3 songs with any soloing. Lest' the boys not dare follow Metallica's St. Anger goof of no solos! The drums are a bit hollow, too. Even Ian's lyrics could use some catchier choruses. Some nice bass lines, but that's it. Chris Wyse is the best bass player they've had in a while. Ian was proud of the quick studio time it took to cut the tracks. True, 2 years in the studio to over produce is not good, but neither is a 2 month rush job when the band has 2-3 singles and decides to make a full album. What matters is the final product, and it just isn't quite up to this great duo's standards. If War Pony Destroyer and Stand Alone were included and a couple of the lesser tunes axed (Dirty Little Rockstar, Citizens, Holy Mouintain), we'd have a little more promise here.



Beyond Good and Evil was red-hot, but this one's a little pink. More time in the fire, Ian and Billy. You can do much better!"