Scheer, Infliction (4AD-1996).
Hailing from Northern Ireland this band started life by playing small venues in Ireland until signing to an independent who then released two EPs and were then quickly signed to 4AD in 1995.
The band were a real breath of fresh air, the music was a mix of Pixies and metal and at time could be just as crazy as any punk band. But the big difference was in Audrey Gallagher's vocals. She had a great voice for pop music but was it right for this? Yes is the answer. I don't know how but it worked and so the band were touring the country and building up to this debut album.
The album is a great rock album with some nice guitar work, not so much riffs but great tunes. No killer solos here more killer feedback. And again mixed up in that voice that was made for the radio.
I remember the hearing the single 'Wish you were dead' and being utterly shocked at its loudness. It was really different for 1996 and only a year after the britpop music that had filled the charts for so long. First album track 'Shea' was also a single and one I found for a pound in a second hand shop only a few months after it was released. That was it for me I need this album!
With ten well produced tracks clocking in at 44 minutes the album for me was easily on of the best albums of 1996. But they just never seem to get a break at all. I don't even remember them playing local to me. I am not sure if 4AD are the best at breaking bands, any bands on the label have taken years to do so. But also having an album cover depicting a stitched up laceration wold not have got many people running to Our Price for this one.
Such a shame as a song like 'Deamon' could win over anyone who is not a rocker with some great melodies and the acoustic only 'Goodbye' could have got you looking at the CD to check you have the right album on. It is not often a music lover can get a debut album that is playable from start to end every time.
The band were to make a second album but it was shelved by the record company and then the band split. Sometime in 2000 the fans managed to finally get the second album, made available on the bands own label.
Still available from 4AD via download this is one album that will make you need an alt rock section.
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