Imperial Wax Solvent

Imperial Wax Solvent

After 27 studio albums, you’d think we’d know what to expect from Fall founder Mark E. Smith; but if we did, well, half the joy of a new Fall record would be lost. To longtime fans’ utter delight, M.E.S. more than delivers the goods on Imperial Wax Solvent. Kicking off with a smoldering, free-jazz excursion wherein Smith growls, croons and generally sounds in need of medication, the record unfolds with the glittering, sharp attack of “Wolf Kidult Man,” the blistering threat of “50 Year Old Man” (do NOT mess with M.E.S, though he may seem toothless!), the early Brit-punk exuberance of “I’ve Been Duped” and a classic Fall noisefest called “Strange Town.” As you realize that the Krautrock-ish “Taurig,” the rant of “Can Can Summer” (“you are no dog... stop twitching!”), and the steamrolling “Tommy Shooter” are all first-rate, you may worry about momentum being lost at some point. Fear not: this latest iteration of the oldest, finest punk band in the world has plenty of teeth, actually, and the last four tracks are simply stellar as well. Long live the 50-year old man and his musical vision.  

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