The Psychedelic Furs were an interesting case amidst the neo-psychedelic fraction of the new-wave. "India" begins with a brooding symphonic melody, shy guitar and electronic dissonances, but the proper song kicks-in halfway through as a storming post-punk number. Richard Butler's gruff vocals, the dual guitars of Roger Morris and John Ashton (usually the one provides the soaring melodic motifs, while the other fills the gaps with distorted noise) and Vince Ely's frenetic drums make for an impressive sonic formula.
"Sister Europe" is equally charming with it's whirlpool of downtempo guitars and saxophones. "Imitation Of Christ" is jingle-jangly enough to evoke impressions of a post-punk version of the Byrds. "Fall" adds a twist over the swinging-pop of the 60's, much darker than, say, the Teardrop Explodes. Ditto for "Pulse" which is even more supersonic and also features a punk-refrain and an energetic sax-solo (Sex Pistols crossed with Roxy Music). Side two doesn't stray much from the afore-mentioned formula, although they still have the capacity to surprise (the wall of noise in "Flowers" hides one of their most delicate melodies). Get it here.
