New album 'Apple Venus' breaks XTC’s long silence

Reviewed by JON FASSNACHT
Collegian Staff Writer

No, it's not an album about the drug.

XTC, the veteran British act, will release Apple Venus Vol. 1 on March 2, its first album after a dry spell of seven years.

The album is a bit of a departure for the band, a group of musicians already known to experiment with many different styles.

Long-time guitarist Dave Gregory left the band during the recording of the album, leaving the groups two chief songwriters, Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding, to function as a duo. The result is a stripped-down "orchustic" offering -- orchustic because most of the songs primarily are orchestral or acoustic.

Apple Venus Vol. 1 begins with the sound of water drops and plucked orchestra strings. Eventually the strings start to cohere and a melodic backing forms out of the shapeless mess. "River of Orchids" is the result of the sounds, and with Partridge offering one of his most hypnotic and powerful vocals, the first four minutes are truly mesmerizing.

However, XTC tries to fit too many things into the mix during the final minute including harmony vocals, a lead vocal and a trumpet fanfare -- on top of the orchestral backing -- leave the listener in a state of confusion.

The first single from Apple Venus Vol. 1, "I'd Like That," is a very Paul McCartney-ish song that would sound right at home on The Beatles' White Album.

"Your Dictionary" is one of the most biting and caustic songs ever written. Spurred by Partridge's recent divorce from his wife, the song twists the meanings of words ("S-L-A-P/ is that how you spell ‘kiss' in your dictionary /C-O-L-D pronounced as ‘care") in a way that makes it a painful listen for survivors of messy breakups.

Although the lyrics are strong throughout, the singing is a little weak at times.

While Partridge's voice has always been very unique and extremely powerful, it is starting to diminish as he grows older and some of the higher notes on the album sound forced.

The flaw is easily forgivable and the CD has enough high points -- like the beautiful trumpet solo ending Apple Venus Vol. 1 -- to cancel out any blemishes.