A reconstruction/continuation/adaptation of a 1993 demo tape by the same name, this ‘official’ rendition (released after the deaths of all of the band’s founding members) shares just a handful of tracks with the original leaked version, as some of the songs ended up portioned off into The Ape of Naples. The result ends up feeling more than a little patchwork, but as a scattered collection of Coil tracks, it’s not outright bad.
The usual attentive meshing of assorted synths and effects with analog instruments is present throughout much of the album, and the few tracks retained from the ‘93 tape (usually with new titles) have been audibly polished up, though some of the alterations are likely to rub long-time devotees the wrong way. Emulated percussion is allowed to run rampant in parts, samples of exotic instruments are looped and chopped, with the vocals receiving the same treatment in spots, and a vaguely dance-inclined atmosphere makes for an odd but interesting fit with the mostly harsh timbres.
Unfortunately, the momentum of the album is uneven and jerky, with abrupt changes in tone, mood, and energy making it difficult to establish a listening groove. Though it is nice to have the material released in a more widely-available form, the presentation still leaves something to be desired.
Here’s the alternate cover art.
Scrambled Brains 