That Petrol Emotion formed in 1984 around a nucleus of the O'Neill brothers Sean (John) and Damian formerly of Derry's Bash Street pop punks, The Undertones.
Despite releasing a clutch of critically lauded manic pop thrills during the mid-80's to early 90's, TPE failed to conquer the mainstream. This was undoubtedly due in no small part to their (mildly) political record sleeve protestations about the 'troubles' in Northern Ireland, which eventually led to tabloid outrage and a Radio One ban. The band also possessed the uncanny knack of seemingly being out of kilter with the pervading musical trends of the time.
Originally released in May 1987, 'Babble' was the follow-up to TPE's corrosive, confrontational indie debut, 'Manic Pop Thrill' and their first for a major label. Now digitally re-mastered, this reissued version also boasts 5 bonus tracks.
Far from tempering their uncompromising stance, promotion to premier league status saw the Petrols', somewhat typically, upping both the political ante and sonic intensity. Roli Mossiman, who drummed with the musically extreme Swans, was recruited as chief knob twiddler, ensuring there would be no softening of the TPE modus operandi. His influence is especially evident on the raucous, riffology of 'Creeping To The Cross' and blink-and-you've-missed-it 'Split!'. Elsewhere, 'For What It's Worth', bids a warm welcome to Mr Tune but sacrifices none of The Petrols' innate potency. Gravel-throated vocalist Steve Mack, a displaced native of Seattle, is not exactly Sinatra in the vocal stakes, but at least he doesn't yodel a la Fergal Sharkey.
On a whole different tip is 'Big Decision'. Along with the likes of 'Kiss' by Age Of Chance, TPE's biggest hit - straight in at Number 43 with a bullet - pioneered a ground-breaking hybrid of indie rock and dance. A glorious collision of samples, oscillating guitars and rappin', 'Big Decision' righteously champions direct action, "You gotta agitate, educate, organise". Top of the agit prop pops. For maximum effect, check out the extended extra 12 inch Mix.
Other extras include the studio version of live favourite, 'Soul Deep' and a furiously funky take on Hamilton Bohannon's 'Dance Your Ass Off'. Fourteen years on from it's original release, 'Babble' still bristles with brio and well-placed vitriol, making That Petrol Emotion the 80's Manic Street Preachers.
