Love

UKゴス～ハード・ロックの生ける伝説
ザ・カルトの名盤2ndが久々のアナログ盤リイシュー!

ボーカルのイアン・アストベリーとギタリストのビリー・ダフィーを中心に、今もなお精力的に活動を続けるUKゴス～ハード・ロックの生ける伝説ザ・カルトが1985年にリリースした名盤2ndアルバムが待望のアナログ盤リイシュー!!
ムーディーでサイケデリックなデビュー作『Dreamtime』と、その後のハード・ロック路線を確定させる次作『Electric』の狭間に生み落とされた本作はまだゴス・パンクやニューウェーヴの名残りがあるダークなバンドの魅力に溢れ、「Rain」、「Revolution」、そして壮大なアンセム「She Sells Sanctuary」を含む多くのヒット・シングルとともに彼らがブレイクするきっかけとなった出世作。

1985's Love displayed a marked improvement over the Cult's early material, and though it remains underappreciated in America (worldwide it was a smash), this exceptional record has actually aged better than the band's more notorious (and equally important) releases: Electric and Sonic Temple. Equal parts psychedelic hard rock and new wave goth, the songs on Love emanate a bright guitar sheen, tight arrangements, crisp drumming, and a command performance from vocalist Ian Astbury, who as usual says a lot more with less than most singers. Overall, the album benefits from a wonderful sense of space, thanks in large part to guitarist Billy Duffy (who is much more subdued here than on future releases), whose restraint is especially notable on "Revolution" and the remarkably uncluttered title track. Duffy also provides compelling melodies ("Hollow Man," "Revolution"), driving riffs ("Nirvana," "The Phoenix"), and even a U2-like intro to "Big Neon Glitter." Also on offer is the near-perfect "She Sells Sanctuary" and the smash hit "Rain," quite possibly the band's most appealing single ever. Considering the musical schizophrenia that would plague each subsequent Cult release, Love just may be the band's purest moment. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia