Cardiacs - Heaven Born And Ever Bright

Released: 02/08/24

Formed in 1977, Cardiacs were never going to be big' “ with a multifarious sound that takes in art rock, post-punk, jazz, baroque pop, psych, and metal, not to mention medieval music and sea shanties, they were just too darn bloody-minded, too uncompromising; tooweird. It didn't help matters that their confrontational live shows were chaotic, featuring extremely odd costumes and stage theatrics. The notoriously conservative British press hated them, but they nevertheless had a devoted hardcore following, and one hopes that that this reissue of their third album, 1992's almightyHeaven Born and Ever Bright, will result in this most singular of bands finding the larger audience they so richly deserve.

So how to even approach describing this album? Well, let's say it sounds like Sparks, They Might Be Giants, Brian Eno-era Roxy, Polyphonic Spree, and math rock monsters Don Caballero “ it's angular, febrile rock with ADHD. In tracks like the incredible Goodbye Grace', time signatures change seemingly on a whim, bringing to mind the demented majesty ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Showsoundtrack; in the mesmeric opening track, The Alphabet Business Concern (Home Of Fadeless Splendour)', it appears that the chorus ofLes Miserablesand the Royal Gurkha Rifles drum corps have been roped in as the backing band; and if Day Is Gone' was a track on Les Savy Fav'sLet's Be Friends, it would be my favourite song in that album (which is saying something). That's just scratching the surface regarding the cornucopia of delights that lie within this remarkable album, and so I suggest with all your heart that you check it out “ you won't be sorry.