UNKLE - War Stories
Reviewed by mike
Featuring a slew of guest artists has become trendy practice, but more often than not the outcome's sub-par despite the sexy storylines. London-based UNKLE was an originator of the fad, although it seems the sit-ins for their latest release, War Stories, bring with them a little too much of their own influence. Whereas Thom Yorke and Mike D. were able to adapt to the breakbeat feel of past records, Josh Homme's rock edge makes them sound a little too much like Crystal Method and The Cult's Ian Astbury just seems like a bizarre choice, although to his credit he's part of the best tracks. Like all UNKLE albums, War Stories makes for a compelling sell, but it's filled with a plot that fails to deliver any twists, turns, peaks or valleys and amounts to nothing more than great background music. [www.unkle.com]