Cure For The Blues
Liberation Hall, 2023
9/10
Originally released in 1986, this sophomore album from Scotland’s APB came out during a time when the band were extremely prolific and active, where much touring on the East Coast brought them legions of new fans.
The vocally strong and warm grooves of “Crooner’s Lullaby” opens the listen with an infectious energy, and “Sunset Song” follows with bouncy bass and crisp drums illuminating the melodic climate.
“Simone” and “Wonderdrug” land in the middle, where the former buzzes with a thumping and rhythmic delivery, while the latter is a soulful album highlight that touches on New Wave nods amid the punchy landscape.
Arriving near the end, “Partners In Love” brings cultured drumming to dynamic and soaring vocals, and “Better Life” exits with a dance floor ready appeal that’s beat friendly and musically far ahead of its time.
There is simply no bad place to start in their catalog if APB are new to your ears. Much of their music has been out of print for years, and thankfully the reissues keep coming to help preserve one of the early alt-rock bands who weren’t afraid to bring funk and post-punk into their timeless formula.
Travels well with: APB- Three; The Kingsnakes- Live At The Old Waldorf