`Janus` is a double album featuring re-recorded and reimagined versions of Spear of Destiny`s 1987 album `Outland` and 1988 album `The Price You Pay` along with tracks that never made the albums or were included on 12” singles. The album’s title, `Janus` refers
to the Roman god of beginnings and endings, reflecting the album’s dual nature, with `The Price You Pay` looking back at past experiences and `Outland` looking towards the future. This album that has been virtually two years in the making and the tracks are
re-recordings as founding member and lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter Kirk Brandon wanted them to sound as close to what he originally thought they should have sounded like.
There`s two dozen tracks and some are familiar to me through live shows i`ve attended and others less so, but with S.O.D. it`s always good to look back and listen as numbers that were less familiar or that you haven`t played for a while become new favourites.
The more familiar ones for me were the tubthumping `Land of Shame` which opens with an interesting almost church organ sound and a number that will have you singing/shouting along to. `Never Take Me Alive` which reached no 14 in the charts is as much heartbreaking
as spellbinding. `Radio Radio` has that wavering sound while songs like `Strangers In Our Town` and `Soldier Soldier` with its last verse added are as much thoughtful as anthemic. The former with a cracking percussive resonance and the latter with its saxophone
hues.
`Embassy Song` is an almost pounding call to arms whereas the rhythmic `Spirits` will really lift your soul.
Kirk has a real gift of creating anthemic songs but his more reflective contemplative offerings for me are erroneously disregarded or ignored such as `So In Love With You` an underrated gem with a sublime tinkling piano, the almost heartbreaking `The Price`
and `I Remember` a reminiscence on times gone by, maybe better times.
The remaining tracks reflect some of Kirk`s views on a wider society, it`s good and bad. `Dreamtime` to me is surreal lyrically almost repressive, `Whole Worlds Waiting` recalls an unjust world and seems to touch on religious connotations while `Outlands` is
about outsiders. `Time of Our Lives` looks for a better life whereas `The Jungle` is pensive, brooding almost preoccupied.
`Junkman`, `March Or Die` and `The Traveler` I find are pensive and introspective but `The Man Who Never Was` is out on its own and quite funky. `Jack Straw` races along and the nickname may refer to a leader of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 and a number that
has a superb saxophone solo midway. `Tinseltown` is a satire on Hollywood and maybe the wider false dreams and promises presented generally. `View From A Tree` is a mobilising rallying cry with a nigh on militaristic drumbeat and woodwind instrumentation.
`Somewhere Out There` exudes an ominous outlook while `Pumpkin Man` is nostalgic and reflective.
`Janus` heads towards the two hour mark and is available on double vinyl, extended double CD, and digital download. Spear of Destiny are also touring the UK in support of the release, a tour which is currently underway. Steve Allen Jones, Phil Martini, Craig
Adams, Adrian Portas, and Clive Osborne must all be praised for aiding Mr Brandon in bringing these songs back to life.
Like me i`m sure you`ll find something that will become a new favourite here or at the very least catch up with some anthems or reflections that you haven`t heard for a while.
I`ve always felt that singer songwriter and musician Kirk Brandon has flown below the radar and hopefully `Janus` may bring his music to the attention of the wider public. Here`s hoping.
Rating 9/10
