Industrial/Noise charts

Review: This is the first time that Coil's original Love's Secret Domain album from 1991 has ever been reissued. It comes at a time when a few of the seminal electronic band's record are making their way back onto shelves and we couldn't be happier about that. It has been specially remastered by Martin Bowes and comes on nice heavy vinyl for a fulsome listening experience. Musically, the album departs from the doom and gloom of previous records for a more upbeat sound but still with plenty of trippy invention.

Review: 'Queens Of The Circulating Library' sees a re-relase from Dais, once more cementing the everlasting reputation of monarchic industrial-drone-ambient outfit Coil. All hail. This nearly 50 minute project has verifiably made its subjects quiver and shake with fear; the stern voices of the 'queens' who guard this seemingly infinite sonic bank of knowledge are narrated by the opera singer Dorothy Lewis, who takes a break from melismatic belting and trilling to play the role of totalitarian info-guardian. A deep, menacing psychedelic journey, not for the faint of spirit.

Review: Coil arguably were in their best form as the new millennium dawned as well as being already deep into their career. Musick To Play In The Dark not only lived up to its name, it marked a transition both sonically and astrologically for the band as they declared a new era as a lunar rather than solar group. Mixing gently melodious ambient motifs and immersive aural textures with more experimental sounds, spoken and sung vocals and a variety of unobtrusive rhythms, the album remains one of the most vivid and enjoyable outings in their vast, action-packed catalogue. Whether it's spooky distorted sounds on 'Strange Birds', 'Red Queen''s strange droning late-night piano soul, or the yearning ambient pop on 'The Dreamer Is Still Asleep', this is a subtly bold record packed with exceptional ideas.