With incendiary U.S. all-girl punk combo Babes In Toyland kicking out the jams live and loud again, it seems only fitting that this wall-shaking compilation of deeply satisfying rough-hewn gems from 1990-1995 should be blasting from your stereo.
Kat Bjelland’s wonderfully unhinged and disorientating vocals whip up an authentic emotional maelstrom on searing tracks such as Ripe and Right Now, while she sounds quite possibly possessed during the skull-crushing Handsome and Gretel.
When Bjelland sings she never comes across as if she’s play-acting or going through the motions. There is something visceral and refreshingly real being manifested in every one of her cathartic vocal contortions. Highlights of this exciting collection include the suitably bruising rhythmic intensity that underpins the pummelling yet phenomenally catchy Bruise Violet, the air of seething menace that inflames Bluebell, and the swinging rhythm, infectious melody and mischievous cow bell that makes Sweet ‘69 sound as fresh as it did when it was released way back in 1995.
After blowing the roof off the house with these 18 molten tracks, it’s clear that Redeux is essential listening for anyone who hungers for a healthy dose of emotional authenticity with their rock‘n’roll.
By Graham Blackley
