Waxwing

A collection of tracks from 7"s, a compilation, and unreleased live recordings, Intervention: Collection + Remix is not Waxwing's most consistent album, but it compiles incredible songs that every fan of the band should hear. The tracks off of the self-titled 7" (on Henry's Finest Recordings) are a little more rough-hewn than Waxwing's album material, but this gives them a powerful immediacy and, as always, the songwriting is downright impressive. The title track and "Kill the Messenger" (one of its original B-sides), true to Waxwing form, alternate between drifting emotion and powerful attacks. "Manicotti" (the second B-side) is the real oddity, with start/stop intensity and spiraling riffs that make it more of a hardcore cut then anything else in Waxwing's catalog. "Laboratory" could easily be on a Rocky Votolato solo record, until it breaks into a dark guitar wail matched by disturbed, shouted vocals. The live songs include a propulsive version of One for the Ride's "All of My Prophets" and a blistering cover of U2's "New Years Day." The record closes with a remix of "Spanish" that transforms it into a pounding and gurgling electronica piece that could easily fit with Radiohead's Amnesiac. ~ Charles Spano, All Music Guide