Reviewed by Rod Lobaugh

Any innocent bystander only had to gaze into the package of I992's Blonde Vinyl release 'Go, Fluffy. Go' to understand that the four men behind Fluffy had a firm grasp on all things odd. So can it be expected that when Fluffy go through a name change they still present bizarre, twisted rock tunes? Five of these songs made their way on to the 'Fluffy vs Phantasmic' album a while back. Duraluxe picks up on 'Rock Songs W Singing' where Fluffy left off. The music is as twisted as ever. Fuzz busier guitars courtesy of Chris Colbert, roving producer of just about any modern rock album nowadays, set the tone. Nathan Pellegrin's vocals provide a wide range of moods and emotions. reminiscent of Mark Arm of Mudhoney. Lyrically. Duraluxe make the occasional deep, dark statement and then saunters back to twilight zone. Take the opening track, "Shrimpy Brine": "But those words are buried in my soul/And that was lost so long ago." Then compare that to the lines in "Bleach": "Knock knock who's there? Avon lady/Avon lady who yodel Avon Lady yodel lice." You get the feeling there is a point laced in there somewhere, but that Duraluxe are just laughing at everyone attempting to find it. There are really only five Duraluxe songs on this album. They add to that five a couple of cover songs, as well as a ripping live track of "Not Fasy Being Me" from the '92 'Go, Fluffy. Go" album. There are also two totally bizarre songs featuring the vocal talents of Steve Hindalong of The Choir. No Hindalong fan should be without this album for that small purpose. On "My Love" Hindalong sings a strangely happy, sweet duet with Riki Michelle, complete with a drum loop supplied by Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric. Even Ronnie's brother, Jason of Starflyer 59, managed to come out to play the drums on "My Love". Duraluxe also throw the eerie "Sugar Pistol" on 'Rock Songs W Singing'. "Sugar Pistol" is basically a poem being read to a mix of sounds and music including a kazoo solo!

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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