15 Feb 2009 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
The locally anticipated debut release from Wellingtons own Spartacus R is finally here. After becoming regionally acclaimed over the past six years their debut full-length album “When The Fever Takes Hold” is looking to rouse devotees and new listeners alike.

The physical album design is somewhat refreshing. The innards are far more exciting than the front however, even if they are reminiscent of Pearl Jams ‘No Code’ Polaroid style inserts. And although it’s probably not even relevant anymore, it is one of those CDs that you can’t fit into your CD holder. Just saying.

I can’t say I’m a big fan of the vocals on this album. Not so much the way they are constructed, as the singing is at times quite beautiful, but the way they are presented. I wasn’t over the moon with them breaking up the long, journeying soundscapes. Although they were pretty awesome during ‘Get On Gone’, which reminded me of something that Sonic Youth would deliver, and I can imagine them creating a much more dynamic live performance.

The albums title track captures everything I fancy on this album. It’s long, and the harsh, ethereal guitaring is some of the best of the entire release.

‘Foxbug and Snail’ is an engaging track that has lavish amounts of ambient segments, and if Spartacus R has managed to capture their live performance on their album, then their live show is definitely going to live up to its notorious hype.

Spartacus R is unquestionably going to be worth checking out on their current nation wide album release tour.

3.5/5

Craig Johnson

Wellington-based psychedelic-progressive-rock six-piece, Spartacus R are more of a musical force than a band. Connoisseurs of fine instruments and life long friends, they have relentless energy for crafting new music; at times raw and wild, other times achingly beautiful, and always uncompromised to its core.

Having refined their sound and gathered their beautiful gear for over six years now, Spartacus R have released two EPs, and two acclaimed albums (When The Fever Takes Hold, 2009 and The View, 2011) and toured the country on several outlandish musical journeys.

Featuring members from Fly My Pretties, The Nudge, Rhythm Hawks, Sons of Midas, Luke Buda Band, Jesse James and The Outlaws, Silenzio and the Swift and Raggamuffin Children.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Spartacus R

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