If, like me, you’d been wondering where the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir had gone, well, and answer has been found. Most of the band seem to have found their way into a spellbound forest, where, one presumes, they encountered Jackson Phibes. It might not have been terribly enjoyable, but the album that follows, “Campfire Tales,” certainly is.
“A Match To The Kindling” is a simple enough explanation of their descent into the forest: the band were promised a house filled with uninhibited women. Naturally, they followed, bringing only their instruments. However, before long (“Campfire Tales”) we can deduce that they became lost. So, they began to write about their surroundings.
Whatever you make of “Windigo Song” and “Neckin’ Party,” it is safe to assume that the band managed to find or create alcohol at some point, which was probably a factor in their escape. However, songs such as “Wild Night Company” suggest that excessive consumption may also have had a detrimental effect on their memory. Nonetheless, they battled on and beat the devil and his wily henchmen (“Magpie & Skunk”) and all others in their path.
At this point, I should point out that this is all deduced from what I’ve absorbed from the album. It’s utterly untrue – as far as I know – and merely a testament to the musicianship and imagination of The Agnostic Phibes Rhythm & Blood Conspiracy. If this review makes any sense, you’ll understand that “Campfire Tales” is a very good album. Even if it doesn’t, you should buy the album.