Description
Volcano Suns – Things Of Beauty – Double Vinyl Record
Volcano Suns’ Thing of Beauty, released in 1989, stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the band’s discography. Known for their irreverent and experimental take on post-punk and alternative rock, Volcano Suns, led by Peter Prescott (formerly of Mission of Burma), pushed the boundaries of their sound with this expansive double album. Released through SST Records, Thing of Beauty captures a band in transition, embracing collaboration and diversity in both songwriting and performance. The result is a sprawling, chaotic, yet deeply engaging record that encapsulates their creative ethos.
The album was the first to feature David Kleiler Jr. on guitar, replacing Chuck Hahn, and marks a significant shift in the band’s dynamic. With Kleiler, bassist Bob Weston, and Prescott all contributing vocals and songwriting, Thing of Beauty represents a more democratic approach to music-making. This collaborative spirit manifests in a record that veers between angular, aggressive post-punk anthems and more melodic, introspective explorations, all while retaining the Suns’ characteristic wit and intensity.
Spanning four sides on vinyl, Thing of Beauty is packed with 22 tracks that showcase the band’s adventurous spirit. The album opens with “Barricade,” a propulsive, guitar-driven track that sets the tone with its driving rhythms and forceful delivery. Songs like “Man Outstanding” and “Arm and a Leg” exemplify the Suns’ ability to balance punk energy with off-kilter melodies, while “No Place” introduces a more reflective mood, highlighting the band’s knack for creating depth and atmosphere.
Throughout the album, Volcano Suns blend jagged, noisy guitars with surprisingly catchy hooks, creating a tension that keeps the listener engaged. Tracks like “Soft Hit” and “How to Breathe” lean into experimental textures, offering moments of dissonance and unpredictability that reflect the band’s post-punk roots. Meanwhile, “Malamondo” and “Fill the Void” demonstrate their penchant for blending humor and intensity, using quirky lyrics and playful arrangements to offset the rawer elements of their sound.
One of the standout moments on the album is their cover of Brian Eno and Phil Manzanera’s “Needles in the Camel’s Eye.” With its jangly guitars and layered harmonies, the track serves as both a nod to the band’s influences and a reinterpretation that fits seamlessly into the album’s eclectic mix. Other tracks, like the energetic and anthemic “Kick Out the Jams” (featured on CD and cassette versions), show the band’s ability to channel their punk roots into full-throttle rockers that wouldn’t be out of place in a live set.
Thing of Beauty explores themes of societal critique, introspection, and surreal storytelling. The songs often blend humor and abstract imagery, reflecting the band’s intellectual yet playful approach to songwriting. Prescott’s vocal delivery alternates between impassioned yells and more subdued, almost conversational tones, enhancing the emotional range of the album.
Thing of Beauty was recorded during a period of heightened creativity for the band, and it captures the essence of Volcano Suns’ live energy while pushing their sound into new territories. The album’s production, while raw and unpolished, complements its sprawling, unpredictable nature, giving the music an immediacy that draws the listener in.
Though Thing of Beauty didn’t achieve mainstream commercial success, it has since been celebrated as a cult classic among fans of post-punk and alternative rock. Critics praised the band’s willingness to take risks and their ability to combine chaotic experimentation with moments of melodic brilliance. Tracks like “Barricade” and “Ask the Pundits” became fan favorites, while the album as a whole is often regarded as one of the band’s most ambitious and rewarding efforts.
Thing of Beauty remains a testament to Volcano Suns’ commitment to artistic exploration and their refusal to be pigeonholed. It captures the band at a creative peak, offering a fascinating glimpse into their evolution and their ability to push the boundaries of what alternative rock could be. For fans of post-punk and indie rock, Thing of Beauty is an essential listen—a chaotic, multifaceted record that rewards repeated exploration with its layers of complexity and unrelenting energy.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
SST Records 1989
Track Listing
Barricade
its a conspiracy
man outstanding
courageous stunts
no place
noodle on the couch
ask the pundits
arm and a leg
how to breathe
rite of way
soft hit
malamondo
deeply moved
now file
fill the void
nightmare country
needles in the camels eye
mud
veteran
hang-up
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