AMG Review of Aural Sculpture [Bonus Tracks]

Alex Ogg
All Music Guide

A massively underrated album by a band too quickly dismissed as relevant only to the '70s -- fair enough, as the accompanying statement of intent (the title was meant to be descriptive) is pretentious rubbish. Yet there is a real majesty to some of these pop compositions, notably Burnel's devastating "North Winds." The hit single "Skin Deep" is excellent, if a little self-important. Other cuts, like the infectious "Uptown" and "Mad Hatter," reveal the eternally grim Stranglers to be in a playful mood. Not quite what everyone expected, but a great album nevertheless. [The 2001 reissue offers eight more songs, including "In One Door" and "Hot Club"]