Sad Lovers & Giants - Feeding The Flame

Nothing to be sad about here

Sad Lovers & Giants explored similar territory to China Crisis, just without their attendant commercial success. Forming in 1981, by the time they recorded this second LP in 1983, the band were in their pomp, with chiming guitar out of the Felt school, plundering basslines, iron drums and washes of synths and production separation that perfectly supported Garce’s back-of-stage lyrical ferments.

Despite being neglected at the time, Feeding The Flame was a cogent collection armed with mature gems, such as On Another Day, the likes of which gives Duran Duran’s Ordinary World a run for its money. There’s an element of Porcupine Tree offshoot No Man here, as the likes of Strange Orchard and Burning Beaches float, rather than drive forward, taking time to work under your skin.

As with the original CD, released on Chime, this reissue includes four bonus tracks, which seamlessly fit into the running order, rather than hanging on like ugly carriages bolted onto a magnificent steam train. In fact, Close To The Sea is a highlight, thanks to a ringing guitar figure, and a musical and lyrical restraint that captivates. With the band touring again, this would be an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore their recordings.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Cherry Red | CDMRED 412

Reviewed by Ian Shirley
<< Back to Issue 367

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