SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: INCA BABIES – REINCARNATION

INCA BABIES
REINCARNATION
BLACK LAGOON RECORDS

Manchester’s Inca Babies formed in 1982 and released their debut single in 1983, “The Interior.” They released their debut album Rumble in 1985. The band finally called it a day in 1987, but they reformed in 2007.

This new album, Reincarnation, features new versions of classic Inca Babies songs. From the opening heavy bass and echo guitars, we know we are in Manchester circa 1985. Not a bad place to be, and by the time the song gets flowing, it shifts enough to make the sound their own. Songs like “Daniella” enter the post punk semi-goth arena. Not goth but taking some tips from the likes of Bauhaus. There is a lot of echo and sparse playing. It is actually quite good. And “The Diseased Strangers Waltz,” which really is not a waltz, but one of the highlights on the album. It has a very dark vibe to it and makes for very interesting listening. “Too many souls and no one alive,” Stafford sings with a slight growl.

The following track, “Damnation,” is not much happier, but is a very interesting song, employing a number of different effects. It works on many levels. The closing track “Cowboy Song” returns to the rock format, complete with a Cramps/Nick Cave style vocal. Stafford sounds great and hearing this sparse rocker, one wishes they would do more in this particular style. It has a great deal of energy and shows the band almost having fun.

Reincarnation is an interesting album. The band has decided to revisit older songs in order to bring them up to date. While this is a good idea and the album sounds great, I would love to hear new material from this very talented band. The new versions don’t really deviate from the originals and perhaps Stafford needs to clear his slate and start fresh now that this album is complete. Until then, Reincarnation does serve as a great starting point for new listeners, and older fans can have some fun comparing the originals to these re-recorded versions.

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