CD of the week
Prior to making Civilised? (Gallo), Squeal had completely ceased to exist as a band – an inevitable conclusion to a year of personnel changes, falling gig attendance and personal turmoil. All that remains of the original Long Pigs is the song-writing core of David Birch (guitar, vocals) and Brett Barnes (bass, backing vocals). A welcome solid addition is Bruce Baker on drums, perhaps better known these days as the drummer for Landscape Prayers.
It is fitting, then, that Civilised? sees a return to basics for the band as a whole. Civilised? certainly avoids the meandering over-elaboration of Man and Woman, and represents a more stripped-down and laid- back Squeal. Live, the band seems to have recaptured the combination of fun and intensity that generated their formidable reputation as the band to see in action.
And while the overall theme of the album is pretty sombre and introspective, the trademark Squeal rock stompers are still there. Recorded entirely in David Birch’s house in Durban, this is the band’s third, and there is no mistaking who we are dealing with. Perhaps this is the root of the band’s troubles. It’s a good record, but this is done ground for the band, and perhaps now that they have sorted out the internal logistics, we will see them start to stretch their artistic legs. A hidden surprise demonstrates that, creatively, they have the legs to go the extra mile so, if nothing else, this album should be good for their confidence if it does the job for them.
It won’t put them back on top of the pile of local rock, but it’ll put them back in the list. With musical peers the Springbok Nude Girls and Sugardrive going through the roof, they have a lot of catching up to do.