 The Seagram murals, created by the artist Mark Rothko in the mid 20th century, remain somewhat of an enigma to this day. It has been suggested by some that these abstract works are about the all-consuming emptiness and lack of meaning that belies every single aspect of existence. It could also be reasonably pointed out that they look rather similar to the mark left on the wall when a fridge-freezer has been in the same place for several years. Either way, whilst the artist's use of light and dark certainly evokes an emotional reaction within the viewer, the absence of a comprehensive explanation as to their true meaning makes them quite intriguing.
The songs contained within Cult Classic, created by the band Scarlet in the early 21st century, remain somewhat of an enigma to this day. It has been suggested by some that they are an erotic wave of terror and ferocity that will reshape and revolutionize the face of metallic hardcore. It could also be reasonably pointed out that they sound rather similar to a sore-throated Romanian with Tourette's syndrome stuck in a lift for forty minutes. Either way, whilst the band's use of light and dark certainly evokes an emotional reaction within the listener, the absence of a comprehensive explanation as to their true meaning makes them quite intriguing. This album has . . . something. What, I'm not sure I could say, so let's assess the basics. In order to produce this kind of intensely tight and rhythmic noise, a band's musicianship has to be of quite a high standard, so there's a plus. The lyrics, though largely incomprehensible, seem reasonably thoughtful and evocative, so there's another plus. By the end of the album, you feel as though you have been physically assaulted, and that surely has to be a plus. Oh, and the artwork isn't too bad - one more plus. Other than that, Cult Classic can only really be described as, well . . . abstract. :: Philip Goodfellow |
