The Cult have had a fraught existence, with some dodgy albums, musical differences between the two songwriters, Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, leading to break-ups, and then a number of reunions over the years. But they have been back in reasonable form since 2007 following the release of Born Into This. Although their patchy 2010 show in New Zealand was a disappointment. But ninth album, Choice of Weapon, could just be a true return to form. It sure ain't no Dreamtime, Love, Electric, or Sonic Temple, that extraordinary run of records from the 80s, but it's their best album since the latter.
Predominantly it is a charger of an album, from rowdy opener Honey From A Knife and other wildflower rock moments like the grandiose and graunching thud of The Wolf. But the Cult's best weapon these days is when they rein it in and set the songs on simmer. On Life > Death Astbury is at his serenading rock singer best (because he was always good at that), Elemental Light is a beautifully menacing and moody anthem, and last track This Night In the City Forever is a sing-a-long mantra for the Cult faithful.
Stars: 3.5/5
Check out the video for For The Animals below:
