Reviewed by Ian Webber

It would be easy to pass over a CD by a group that released its first album in the mid '80s, writing them off as having nothing new to offer. Bride, however, have always been a band who surprise by trying out new styles and sounds. Their latest offering is nothing different in this respect. Describing the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated, the album title is an apt description of the recording which is explosive and not a tired reworking of an earlier sound. Fans of mid-period Bride will still recognise the elements of psychedelia that characterised classics such as "Scarecrow Messiah", with tracks such as "Love Shine" which features tonnes of flanged guitars. Dale Thompson's maniacal vocals work wonderfully on tracks such as "Nothing Means Anything To Me" with its dark, edgy feel. Scattered throughout the recording are also some short classical interludes of Prokofiev and Bach. At 17 tracks and over an hours worth of music, the Thompson brothers have produced an impressive and inventive comeback album. There are many highlights, but the acoustic instrumental version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" deserves special note. A release that conclusively proves these veteran rockers are still not past their sell-by-date.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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