After severing ties with its long time label, Virgin, XTC is now free to add another chapter to its thick book of clever, psychedelic pop, although it will have to contend with the loss of guitarist David Gregory, who split before the completion of this record. The band's reluctance to tour is still an obstacle, however, due to Partridges severe stage-freight, but Apple Venus Volume 1 would be too difficult to reproduce live anyway. The album hinges on sweeping orchestral backdrops and multi-layered vocal arrangements.
Partridge tracks three concurrent vocal-lines over top an oscillating score.
The verses are haunting yet there is a child-like rhythm to the melody that has an entreating allure. Perhaps, a seven-year hiatus and a sour contractual dispute would kick any band back into shape.