This is Curve's DIY, web-only album, so whilst the band are still going, it's getting harder and harder to lay your hands on the product.

Is it worth it? On the strength of this, yes. This collection of off-cuts from 1996-2001 hangs together far better than it has any right to. From the loud 'n' large opener Nowhere (the only previously CD-released track) to the moody title track at the end, there's plenty of variety but it's still identifiably Curve.

The bass-driven momenentum is still there, as are the lyrics that would sound like pretensio-goth in anyone else's hands - but here make you pretty sure you wouldn't want to be in Toni's head (or, after hearing Speedcrash, her car). The style bears comparison with... well, nobody really, apart perhaps from a plugged-in PJ Harvey with too much coffee in her veins and a lust for revenge.

All that's lacking are any stand-out single-worthy tracks, but that's not the point really. If you loved what little Curve material the mainstream biz has bothered to put out, you'll end up kicking yourself if you miss this. If you're less Curvaceously exposed, try Cuckoo or Come Clean first.

**** (out of 5)

review by Keith Burnett (nicked from Meltdown, dated Summer 2001)

http://www.curve.co.uk for ordering details.