Gene Loves Jezebel

Welsh goth rockers Gene Loves Jezebel have been operating as two separate entities of late, each being led by a tempestuous Aston brother, so it's difficult not to view Anthology, Vols. 1-2 as anything but polarizing. Disc one, a fairly straightforward smattering of early classics from the Promise, Immigrant, Discover, House of Dolls, Kiss of Life, and Heavenly Bodies records, revels in the maudlin atmospherics and odd heavy metal posturings they grew so adept at before splintering off into their current schizophrenic state, while the second disc follows the group through its more recent and unfocused offerings. As a career overview, Anthology is as scholarly and altruistic as they come, but only longtime fans will give the second disc much of a workout. Casual listeners would be better off picking up 1999's more efficient Voodoo Dollies: The Best of Gene Loves Jezebel. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide