Apparently Ninefold are one of the most well known hardcore crossover bands in Italy. Which might turn out to be a very impressive fact. Who knows. What I do know is that they must have a substantial collection of Fugazi records. And that's not necessarily a bad thing - one of the most intense concert experiences of my life was a Fugazi show at the Brixton Academy in the early nineties. In fact, if I try hard, I can conjure up the morning after headspin.

This, Ninefolds second album, following on from "Motel", is less a hardcore crossover album than a love song to Ian Mackaye and his cohorts. Something that makes for some fine listening when they get the groove just right, as they do on "Goodbye Konig" and "Opium Cocktail". The latter, in particular, is their most original and inventive piece.

But after listening through this a few times, I've still got little idea of who Ninefold are, a problem if they want to expand their horizons.

**½

Review by Stuart A Hamilton