The beast returneth as a topless horsey chimera on the cover of his umpteenth album, delivered on Planet Mu from his Winnipeg nest. The press release quite rightly frames the twisting, bucking narrative and fusion of symphonic strings with complex percussion and Mr Funk's own vocals on 'My Love Is A Bulldozer' in the context of an opera. It's instantly reminded us of some total Venetian Snares classic such as 'Rossz Csillag Alatt Született' (2005) or even the still sublime 'Moonglow / This Bitter Earth' (2004) 7", but also incorporates a strong vocal presence ranging from jazzy croon to yelpy New Wave inflections and gothic miserablism. Driving it all is a usual battery of jungle breaks and bass but they feel subservient to the tunes and his increasingly complex arrangements, rather than a central element. Ultimately it's the sound of far more mature Vsnares than we first heard on the 'Doll Doll Doll' EP, yet still every bit as exciting and compelling.
