Reviewed by Steve Best

With material described as being in the pop psychedelic mould with a tinge of country and folk, Exit 13 promise to transport us to a "slightly strange world where the clouds are purple and all songs are in E major". Quite a claim to make, but this imaginatively packaged CD, which is laid out like a double vinyl album complete with crackles, is most definitely off the beaten musical track. Distinctively retrospective in style 'The Return of Captain Friday' has a strong aura of late '60s peace and love - The Byrds are an influence - and the band pull it off faultlessly. I'd be fascinated to know if they walk around in their loon pants all the time, and I must confess that although I wasn't particularly looking forward to sticking this CD on, by the end of the 25 track experience, Exit 13 had completely won me over. Steve Mann, the chief writer and presumably lead vocalist, albeit sounding uncannily like early Bowie, aims to take us on a pop journey of the mind. What a trip. Oh, and by the way, the songs are NOT all in E major!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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