There's a reason why the Holy Barbarians only made one album. It's not that it was a bad one, it's just that they would always suffer in comparison to The Cult. That band's gothic and (later) metal style fitted singer Ian Astbury's heroic vocals much better than the Barbarians' alternative rock. After all we're talking about the man who filled Jim Morrison's shoes, touring with the 21st Century Doors. He needs a guitar hero like Billy Duffy at his side, not a more restrained and melodic player like Patrick Sugg. The album's reviews ranged from favorable to lukewarm but the audience was not persuaded and "Cream" soon found its way to music stores' special offers section while Astbury reformed The Cult. "Space Junkie" was chosen as lead single but "Opium" is the stand-out track, an atmospheric number with soulful vocals and fluid (almost flamenco-like) guitar work. "Brother Fights" is another highlight, very reminiscent of The Cult albeit with a psychedelic 60's obsession (Always a good thing, if you ask me). "Space Junkie" is the album's glam moment, "Magick Christian" the ballad and "Bodhisattva" the most rhythmic one. Most of the other songs are mid-tempo rock.
**** for Brother Fights, Opium
*** for Dolly Bird, Space Junkie, Magick Christian, Bodhisattva
** for Cream, Blind, She, You Are There
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