AMG Review of Swastika Eyes

Tim DiGravina
All Music Guide

Primal Scream's angry, vaguely political song from XTRMNTR appears in three forms on this U.K. single. Off the dancefloor, it might be too much a good thing. Sounding like a demonic alternate reality version of New Order circa Technique, complete with sound-alike Peter Hook bass, all three versions of the song here are grueling yet fun thrill rides. The Chemical Brothers remix is the most energetic and barnstorming rendition, with everything pumped up for maximum pogo dancing glee. The "Spectre Mix," by Jagz Kooner of Sabres of Paradise, is a bit seedier, but equally compelling. It's the Joy Division noir counterpart to the Chemical Brother's New Order mimicry. Both remixes are outstanding, with the "Spectre Mix" working best outside a nightclub. The radio edit, taken from the Chemical Brothers remix, brings out the song's wicked disco origins in its punch and duck rush to completion. Swastika Eyes and XTRMNTR see Primal Scream once again blazing new trails; this time it's a path of vital pitch-black disco.