Gone Bald Exotic Klaustrofobia Narrowminded

Gone Bald are one of Amsterdam's greatest talents. They'll probably never get the credit for it and they'll probably never care. That just makes them even greater in my book because Gone Bald are pretty much unstoppable. Now in their 11th year, guitarist/vocalist Razorblade Jr. has always refused to let the band die, and with their current line-up, they've probably never been stronger.

It sounds like it too, with the opening track 'Past Vs. Present Vs. Future' sounding more punchy, loud and insistent than anything on their previous album Soul Vacation in Rehab Clinic. Partly it can be put down to the production of Exotic Klaustrofobia, which captures Gone Bald with a new clarity, but there's just that additional sense that the trio really are channelling completely in the one direction, making the album so enjoyable.

Noise-rock has always been the best way to describe the band's music overall, but as a tag for this album it doesn't really do them full justice. Filled with hooks, dynamics and bubbling with emotional content, Gone Bald may never have sounded so accessible. They're still miles away from pop, but I can only enthuse about the new ground the band have covered across these five tracks. Having existed for so long, you'd get the idea that anyone who had wanted to hear Gone Bald would have by now, but if the band are new to you then Exotic Klaustrofobia is an ideal starting point.

Steven McCarron - 25-06-2005

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