Downliners Sect "Dangerous Ground"

(SteadyBoy) (GUEST REVIEW BY JOHN BATTLES) The Sect returns! But in order to venture forward they had to, first, go back. This, the first-ever US release of a Sect studio album, was actually recorded and released in Europe back in 1998, utilizing the same lineup that performed, to date, their only two live concert appearances in America, in 2001 AND 2004, respectively. I was at both shows, and they killed! Harmonica player Paul Martin left the band a few years ago, and, sadly, drummer Alan Brooks left this world recently. The band is still killin' 'em on the homefront, and who knows? Maybe we'll still have our chance to see them again Back in The U.S.A. (Uh-huh , EE - VUN!). Not surprisingly, the fiery Rhythm 'n' Blues sound of days gone by is all still there, from the Bo Diddley beatin' rhythm section to the warm, bluesy tone of the slide guitar. Apart from a nod to their Skiffle roots, "Working on The Railroad," this is an otherwise all-originals collection, and their songwriting skills are as strong as ever. There's been another studio LP, not yet available in the states, but this is easily their best studio effort since "Showbiz," the band's comeback album and call to arms, not against, but with, the pub and punk rock bands they inspired. "Dangerous Ground" is just a great album, whether you're already a fan, or whether you only know them through Billy Childish, who picked up much of his sound, dress sense and Snagglepuss phraseology from the Sect, or if you've never heard 'em at all but know the blues don't have to be a drag, and Rock 'n' Roll does'nt need to sag. Their work here is fun. My work here is done. Exit, stage right !