Virgin Prunes

Sons Find Devils is the soundtrack to the video of the same name that captured the Virgin Prunes live in 1986 -- at their popular and creative peak. They'd already issued the entire New Form of Beauty catalog of releases -- which included a single, a 10", a 12", and a cassette tape among them. The band had just released The Moon Looked Down and Laughed, their most controversial album among fans -- many felt it was far too tame and sophisticated. And it was, as Gavin Friday was already contemplating his career as a solo performer. Along with tracks promoting the new album were "classics" such as "Pagan Love Song," "Ulakanakulot," the infamous "Come to Daddy," "Down the Memory Lane," "Decline and Fall," and "Walls of Jericho." In listening to this music in the 21st century, one can see where the entire Sex Gang Children/Cult brand of tribal post-punk came from, and in some songs, such as "Come to Daddy," the sound of U2 as well. (Although trademarked, that sound wasn't exactly original; U2 and the Prunes were mates and hung out in the same Lypton Village collective, and Dik Evans is the Edge's brother.) The sound here is spotty, but the energy isn't. It's primal, freaky, and wonderful. The CD comes enhanced with the live "Pagan Love Song" video included as a bonus. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide