Love Peace & Fuck

Chronique

This is hard-driving rock. It is garage rock, prog rock, and what Julian Cope calls "Krautrock" all rolled into a 2001 sound. Cope continued to expand and explore his musical arena by forming this band (with the help of longtime collaborator Thighpaulsandra), and he rocks out. Just when you think you have Cope figured out, he pops up with this project. In fact, this album is pure noise but, because it is Julian Cope, it is melodic noise. The playing is loud and in your face, and Cope provides the suitable vocals for this. Truthfully, it is quite good. The guitar work is creative throughout, and Cope provides surprisingly hard, punchy bass. When it comes to the lyrics, Cope and band visit familiar territory (druids, sex, love, Celtic folklore, and Odin) and they do so with Cope's typical sincerity. Listeners might not buy into what Cope is selling, but one has to admire his loyalty and devotion to his inspirations and beliefs. Fans of Cope may be surprised by what they hear here but, given the chance, they will fall in love with this sound. Fans of punk/hard rock will also enjoy Cope's vision of this sound.
© Aaron Badgley /TiVo