Camouflage Heart

Most of what makes Cindytalks debut so wickedly engaging is the voice of Cindy Sharp. Howling, cathartic vocals were nothing new by 1984, but Sharps exorcistic bellows are unique -- practically weaponized, more damaged than anyone elses. The pulverizing "Its Luxury" is lead by incisive guitar riffs that rival Big Blacks chain-link fence battering. Bad Seed and Birthday Party member Mick Harvey appears to have stopped by the studio for all of two minutes to lend thudding drums to "Under Glass," which is rife with sax bleats, lumbering bass, and other BP-isms. When not dabbling in isolationist electronics ("The Ghost Never Smiles," "Everybody Is Christ"), a good amount of Camoflauge Heart is dipped in Birthday Partys harum scarum. But while BP dove headlong into the bacchanal, Sharp shakes demons with equal lack of abandon into despair. Other than a few formless moments, this is inspired, oddly cleansing work. ~ Andy Kellman