�THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES�
(13-track album/ �MEGA PHON� RECORDS)
Contrary to their name, Devon duo The Conspiracy hide no fake ideals and are in fact one of the most enduring underground UK bands to make the most of. Revolving around the poetically singing band-founder in Duncan Pope & ace musician Dave Bell, they�re aided by producer Clive Bray and are producing a style of eclectic music otherwise unheard of right now, reminiscent of David Bowie�s early days especially.
Having had tuns of songs released worldwide on various tape labels, these guys have in more recent years released numerous albums - and all are graced with their utterly distinctive sound. Duncan�s laid back vocals are sumptuously soothing, and the fact that this album is dedicated by them to Kurt Cobain shouldn�t tempt you into thinking these guys rock out in any way. Save for the heavy guitar riff of �Changes,� these guys sound as though they�d rather peacefully drop acid in stone circles than loudly rebel.
Album opener �Wonderful Love� sounds more dedicated to Marc Bolan in style, and �The Plough� to The Kinks. �Detox Unit 8� utilises a punk chug, but �Poison Crawl� (equipped with Duncan�s confession, �I am Cupid in reverse�), the wistful �Slow� and the complex acoustics of �Freak� are the highlights.
For those who truly want to chill out in a psychedelic � and not a psychopathic � manner better check these guys out.
4/5 (Steve Rudd)