Sensational Alex Harvey Band, The - Next

The follow-up to the not so overwhelming ''Framed'' is definitely better than that record, but not as good as the still-to-come ''Tomorrow belongs to me''. That being said, there is still some very enjoyable material, most of all the longer tracks. While both Swampsnake and Gang bang (which sports extreme female-hostile lyrics) trod well-known paths, The faith healer shows promise through a real architectural built-up and an ominous atmosphere. This hard-rock combined with epic elements takes advantage from its finely honed arrangement. The single ''Giddy up a ding dong'' is disappointing fake rock 'n' roll. The Brel cover ''Next'' has a fabulous arrangement and profits strongly from Harvey's theatrical talent, all tongue in cheek. ''Vambo'' marble eye sounds like Slade on vacation and is mainly palatable by virtue of its debile lyrics and the great guitar parts. The best is saved for the end. ''The last of the teenage idols'' balances precariously on the thin edge between parody and deep-digging seriousness. The opposition between dark and muscular rock and totally flipped-out sarcastic passages makes for an unexpected highlight on this quite patchy album.