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Weird War: Illuminated By The Light

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by Mike Diver
  • Type: Album
  • Release date: 18/04/2005
  • Label: Drag City
Where was I when Weird War decided to camp it up and become the 21st Century's T-Rex, albeit with none-too-subtle political undertones? Under a rock? In a cave in deepest Snowdonia? Nope and nope, which is why the opener here, 'Illuminated', comes as such a shock, even after multiple listens. I'm pretty certain the Weird War I saw as recently as last year had more musical balls than this dross-out punk-funk-lite.

The track proves to be a slight red herring - as soon as the very next effort it's clear that Weird War can still tap into a rich seam of invention given the inclination. 'Mental Poisoning' is something akin to what Q And Not U might sound like if they'd ditched college in DC for archeology field trips into the depths of the Middle East. You can practically feel the sand in your mouth, sticking to your teeth and crunching as you grind through a restless sleep. 'A Visit To The Cave' goes deeper still, into blues-burnt horizons hazy with eastern promise and through onto the substantial funk slab of 'Word On The Street', handclaps and all. Sure it's retro, but often no less delicious than a dish prepared but a day earlier.

Consistency has never been Weird War's forte, so perhaps we should be grateful for the mercies this album provides. It is both accessible and challenging at times, and a few bloopers aside a perfectly worthy release, providing the purchaser can tolerate Ian Svenonius' occasional lapses into horrendously irritating vocal histrionics.

  • Weird War 6 / 10

Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

I bought a promo copy of this for £2 the other day. It's ok. Glad I didn't spend any more on it.

Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

To say that Svenonius has a problem with consistency is a preposterous understatement. Does anyone know of a 'best of' for the Make-Up? Should be just enough for a half-decent album - another 3 more Weird War releases and you might be able to do the same for them. If ever there was a man suited to the selective download its him.

Re: Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

Hmm, he has released a lot of stuff, so chances are some of it will be a bit poo, which it is. The Make Up – I Want Some is a collection of their early singles and is pretty damn good place to start, 'best of' wise. The man is a semi-legend though; your name is Adrian...

And wut about Nation of Ulysses, huh?

Re: Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

even 13 point program is inconsistant, imo.

Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

For me Svenonius burnt all his talent into Play Pretty for Baby by Nation of Ulysses- He peaked at that moment- eveything on that album gets me going- before and after that point- he blows hot and cold.

Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

You are all retarded

Weird War - Illuminated By The Light

I will second that last comment although admittedly this album is one that grows on you. Better then 'If You Can't Beat 'Em, Bite 'Em', but maybe not as good as 'I Suck on that Emotion'. As for these charges of inconsistency... well, what rot. 'Save Yourself' is probably Ian's most consistent product but come on, give the guy a break. He's been a member of some of the most original bands of the last decade and he's certainly the most entertaining front man I've ever seen.
Buy Illuminated by the Light, get drunk and play it very loud.