Reviewed by James Lewis

Help, does anyone out there know what has happened to The Call - I haven't heard anything since they were dropped by MCA. Anyway, this solo soundtrack is for a film by Paul Schrader and starring Willem Dafoe, a Michael Been acquaintance of old. The blurb for the film on the album cover almost reads like a summary of Michael Been's work to date - "A story about discovery of the spirit, the lure of decadence and the chance of escape" - in fact it describes him better than it does the film. The record comprises of fifteen tracks, including three versions of "World On Fire" and two of "To Feel This Way". After the surprisingly warm and upbeat 'Red Moon' LP this sees a return to the more gothic sound of old, although it is distinctly not The Call. As befits a soundtrack many of the tracks are atmospheric instrumentals and "Anxious Parts I and II" are especially effective. "World On Fire" sees Michael at his apocalyptic best lyrically, and you can pick a version to suit your mood - all crunching guitars, thumping drum machine or moody atmospherics - in fact one version reminds me of Mad At The World's "Flowers In The Rain". Certainly worth a listen for anyone who likes The Call, but let's hope this doesn't mean the end of the band.

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