Mirror Mirror - The Society For The Advancement Of Inflammatory Consciousness
There are more than enough moments of smirk-inducing bravery to keep this record interesting throughout
Eccentric stuff, this. Anyone remember Sparks? That sense of disbelief mixed with admiration they inspired? Wondering exactly what bizarre series of events and circumstances had hastened the creation of such people who had then birthed such sounds. Mirror Mirror also emerge from the crowd with similarly flamboyant aplomb. Slapping narrow genre labels on this kind of music is simply futile. There are huge splashes of 60s prog, including a sizeable dollop of Syd Barrett's influence. Likewise there are elements of cult behemoths Trans Am and even the faintest trace of Battles' flair for the absurd. It's a heady brew. Though not exactly blessed with stand-out singles, second track New Horizons is an adventurous bit of excellence. My Talisman is subdued but equally alluring, with one of the album's most memorable choruses. Ultimately there are more than enough moments of smirk-inducing bravery to keep this record interesting throughout. [Chris Cusack]