So here is the first solo album from the one man whose hair outdoes Robert Smith's - Echo and the Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch where he proves the band may be different be he is not. After a substantial break since the masterpiece Ocean Rain he returned with a strong set that does not disappoint. It is another great piece of evidence in the Liverpool stands as one of Rock's greatest cities.
While I can assure any fan of Echo that they will be pleased this is not another album by that band. It's a little less moody and dramatic than them and the music is more akin to New Order even as the singer's voice remains as expressive and pleasant as ever. However, this is not to say that record is full of synth-dominated extended dance tracks. McCulloch is still about well-written poetic psych pop songs best fit for a lonely bedroom or romantic night than a crowded club. The opening track "The Flickering Wall" is sure to engage the most critical listener with it's dreamlike lyrics and production and sing-along chorus you will be glad to have stuck in your head for days. The lullaby-like title track is another standout as is the single "Proud to Fall," and the head-scratching "Horse's Head" with its Godfather imagery is delightful pretentious in that distinctly Ian McCulloch way.
Even if you are wary of solo records from leaders of legendary bands, this one really is a essential for any fan of 80s UK indie rock.
Ian McCulloch - Candleland (1989)
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