Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

As reported in CR51, Jonnys In The Basement are Jonny Baker and Jon Birch, respectively Director of British Youth For Christ and propieter of the radiogram studio in Bath. This eight-track CD is a turbulent brew of an album, majoring on the Palestinian situation and 'the plight of ordinary people living under the oppression of the state of Israel' (to quote the publicity). Leaving aside the politics, the music itself is raw, compelling and intense, full of moody synths and samples, with harsh, distorted 'in your face' vocals punching home the message on some trax, whilst others feature Laura McGregor adding a plaintive vocal quality. As a protest vehicle, I'm not sure whether it works or not; it's certainly stuffed full of anger and invective, which might put people off unless they're in sympathy with the cause being championed. I'm not sure either whether it could ever be playlisted - phrases like "filthy Arabs' and use of the word "bulls**t' don't help. Judged as music, it's good - as a complete package, I'm not mad keen.

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