THE SPIZZLES - Spikey Dream Flowers 1981

Original formed as Spizzenergi by vocalist/guitarist Spizz in Solihull, West Midlands. Later changed its name every year, subsequent names including Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil or the Spizzles, this happened 1981 and the band then consisted of Spizz (vocals), Lu (guitars/piano), Jim (bass), C.P. Snare (drums). The group released this record (on A&M Records) which cemented the group's sonic image as science-fiction weirdos. After two more singles and a dispute over payment for a video, A&M declined the option and 1981 ended in disarray.

Mike Stand, Smash Hits/March 19 - April 1, 1981: The Spizzles - a pop group? 'Fraid not. Spizz used to be crude and garage band-like but then overnight he became too darn sophisticated (both albums). This has got some grating bad habits - Jim Solar's disco bass and Spizz's monotonous yelling - but the lyrics are wittily tight and the whole band finds a new place in time and space with the black, bleak 'Risk' & 'Scared'. Value diminished by including four tracks already out as singles, including a disappointing remake of 'Soldier Soldier', but the Spizzles continue to teeter on the brink of their own potential. (6 out of 10).

Graham Flashner, The New Music Record & Tape Guide, 1987: 'Spikey Dream Flowers' offers robots, deadly war games and incessant runaway guitar (by recent arrival Lu Edmonds) with no place to go.

Well, all in all an interesting record with ten poppy songs, two of them for the trashcan and 'Soldier, Soldier' is a damn classic.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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