THEIR PREVIOUS album, 'Bullets For You', having been recorded 'live' under studio conditions, one is tempted to ask what purpose is served by issuing a really live album, with half the material being repeated. Perhaps we should just be grateful that Blurt are releasing product. Recorded in Belgium 'Friday the 12th features a consistent level of irritating hiss, and the occasional outburst from some or other hollering Walloon. The European mainland provides a fitting home for the trying trio these days, their stark nordic incantations more attuned to societies less flippant than our own. Ted Milton's internationally unintelligible croaking, grunting, belching voice is as fascinating as ever – you can visualise the facial and bodily contortions that accompany the tortured vocalising process. Jake's drumming is as solid as you'd expect, but Steve Eagel's guitar playing is remarkable sloppy – as Ted can't play his sax while singing, tight guitar is essential.
© 1985 Andy Hurt/Sounds taken without permission