E-Turn

Album Review

Mohawk embraces new wave with iffy results on E-Turn. Sometimes, as on "You're a Mover" and "Let Her Know," the music holds its own against any of the best skinny-tie efforts of the era. But by track ten, the formula has been repeated too many times; it stops being fun, and gets a bit boring. The only richly melodic cut is "Silver Ships," which has the unfortunate effect of making one yearn for the unplugged Essra of earlier days. Amidst all the electronic knob twiddling, Mohawk's lyrical concerns are much as before, particularly on "Mankind," a wake-up call attacking commercialism, insincerity and contemporary politics. Her wacky charm is also evident; amongst E-Turn's stranger fare is "I'll Get Down With You," during which Mohawk declares: "You can knock my stockings off." Throughout the proceedings, though, Mohawk's winning way with an arresting melody is made conspicuous by its absence.