There was a point when
Therapy? were one of the biggest "buzz bands" in Europe -- thanks in part to seemingly nonstop coverage in such publications as Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. But the buzz eventually dissipated, as
Therapy? in the modern age don't necessarily storm the charts with each new release, but still retain a sizable following. With
Gang of Four guitarist
Andy Gill on board as producer,
Therapy? unveiled their tenth studio album overall, 2009's
Crooked Timber, which leans more toward the punk/alternative side of things rather than riff-happy metal (and on "I Told You I Was Ill," sounds comparable to
Gill's band). In fact, think vintage
Helmet and you're not far off from such album highlights as "Enjoy the Struggle" and "Bad Excuse for Daylight." And on the title track, it sounds as if
Therapy? have managed to channel both
Sonic Youth and
Joy Division into a single track. Ten albums down the line and
Therapy? still play like they mean it, as evidenced by the arrival of
Crooked Timber. ~ Greg Prato