Review of Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)

by Stuart Bailie for Across The Line (September 23rd, 2004)

Here it is, your track-by-track guide to the new album…

1. ‘Rise Up’. Great rumbling drums as Andy Cairns sings like a desperate man trapped at the bottom of a very deep mind shaft. Total urgency and a chorus that urges the listener to take charge of his/her own destiny. John Lydon is in the house. A tremendous opener.

2. ‘Die Like a Mother ******’. No let up, as Therapy? pummel a song loaded with profanity, excrement and resolve. Bad language akimbo, and a big guitar riff, possibly borrowed from Bob Mould. Or Metallica. Or Satan himself. Unlikely to make the Raido 2 playlist.

3. ‘Perish The Thought’. A wibbling electronic intro, then vast, sonic filth. These guys are positively going for it. Something about “waste management” in the lyric, as the merde metaphors continue. Another bold chorus that soars when you need it.

A band with no inhibitions, no wastage, no regrets. They state their case, of which they’re certain.

4. ‘Here Be Monsters’. The title refers to ancient map-makers, who imagined exotic beasts at the end of the world. Here’s another uncharted journey, strangely reminiscent of Zodiac Mindwarp and ‘Prime Mover’. The hurtling bass break is a bonus.

5. ‘So Called Life’. Again, this sounds like very early Therapy? with the claustrophobia, the humour and the unrelenting volume. It’s also a sustained wail about low expectations, as Andy sets the riff dancin’ with Marilyn Manson.

6. ‘Panic’. Industrial strength anxiety. The songs appears to get progressively faster. By now you realise that there is no respite, you wretches.

7. ‘Polar Bear’. Andy is a caged animal, bored and beaten. Strong hints of Cobain in the voice while the lyrics reflect the Manics and ‘Small Black Flowers that Bloom In The Sky’. Is it happy? Are you kidding?

8. ‘Rock You Monkeys’. A Third World malcontent, trying to get admission into America. He’s not happy, y’know.

9. ‘Dead’. Old friends, new enemies. This could be fatal.

10. ‘Long Distance’. By this album’s standards, it’s almost a ballad, almost cheerful. But doomy, also. Apparently inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem.

11. ‘This Ship Is Sinking’. One of the album’s true highlights. They’re shipping water, but they care not. In fact, they relish the drama, the morbidity and the dark fun of it all. You will smile.

12. ‘Save The Sermon’. Welcome back to the Church Of Noise, with a steal from the kids chorus, ‘Jesus Bids Us Shine’.

13. ‘Last One To Heaven’. The final, defiant heave. A band with no inhibitions, no wastage, no regrets. They state their case, of which they’re certain.

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