Furious Angels
(Cheeky/Warner Bros.) Best known for the classic "Clubbed to Death," two versions of which feature here, London-based Australian Rob Dougan’s debut LP mines a similar groove without ever re-hitting such anthemic heights. Still, while the lack of further masterpieces is a predictable disappointment, Furious Angels remains a diverting listen, showcasing Dougan’s unique take on what we often wrongly call dance music.   More in the mode of compatriot Baz Luhrmann than close associates Faithless, Dougan’s LP pitches itself firmly toward the movie theater rather than the dance floor. Hence expensive-sounding strings abound on most of the 14 hugely intense, densely produced cuts here, Hitchcock-style.   Surprisingly, the majority also feature Dougan’s own, very distinctive, vocals — a sort of pained, Bob Dylan-like, bluesy rasp. Not the most pleasant noise in the world, it‘s either supreme confidence or slight egomania that lets it dominate so heavily. The also-available instrumental version is thus a less interesting, but much easier listen. Choose your weapon.Simon Hawkins--From URB Magazine