Originally published by L.S.Media. September 12th 2012.

Whatever accusation you throw at Hugh Cornwell, boring and banal are the superlatives that should not ever be amongst them.

Since leaving The Stranglers in 1990, Hugh’s song-writing has stretched people’s intellectual knowledge and meant the freedom to enjoy a good song for what it is worth. He has produced albums that the listener either will adore and the songs much called for during his live set or frustrate with their alleged simplicity and lyrical content. Such is life and Hugh more than likely won’t care which camp you end up in. The same will be felt for Hugh’s new album Totem and Taboo. It will frustrate and please in equal measure and even though Hugh’s back catalogue reflects his time in the profession with a smile, there are times when even a fan will shudder. Totem and Taboo somehow manages to still have the raw inner anger in his compositions that endears him to a certain section of music lovers.