Beyond the Pale [Expanded Edition]

Personnel: Mike Screene, Ray Burmiston (vocals); David Rollins, Andy P. (guitar); Paul Cobbold (violin); Matt Lipsey (flute, saxophone); Simon Langford Godfrey (drums, percussion); Kenny Wint (congas); Lorenza Johnson, Ruby James (background vocals).
Passion Puppets nearly explode on "Like Dust," the opening track from Beyond the Pale. The song bursts with unrestrained energy; jagged riffs, pounding drums, and gripping basslines envelope vocalist Ray Burmiston. "I'm blown away like dust," Burmiston sings, sounding like a fallen gunslinger. Acquiring this album is worth it to hear "Like Dust" alone. The song crackles like a bolt of electricity; its jittery beat and western-movie twang sketch cinematic images in the mind. However, Passion Puppets don't exhaust their creativity on one song -- but that doesn't mean they're original. Andy P. and Dave Rollins' moody, weepy guitars on "Overland" recall the Church; while it doesn't have the impact of the aforementioned song, its dreamy textures are alluring. With its cheerful horns and "doo-doo-doo" chorus, "Terminal Culture" could be mistaken for a Haircut 100 tune, and "In Your Eyes" is reminiscent of Aztec Camera. "Voices" is propelled by droning, Joy Division-esque bass. Yes, Passion Puppets are derivative; however, the production and musicianship are strong enough to stitch the borrowed parts together and make them seem fresh. Nothing tops or even equals "Like Dust" on Beyond the Pale, but Passion Puppets never lose steam. Even on cruise control, they deliver an amusing ride. ~ Michael Sutton