Cox News Service (4.21.99)

ROCK

"Anima Animus"

The Creatures. Instinct. 10 tracks.

Grade: B

Former Siouxsie and the Banshees linchpins Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie are the Creatures. They've been exploring edgier realms of music in this guise since their days in their former band. Sioux's voice has matured into an impressive instrument over the course of her 20-plus year career, and her partner has always been a great percussionist. In fact, the Creatures' work is Budgie's chance to display his considerable skill on a battery of instruments. Sequenced synthesizers, marimbas and Sioux's voice dominate the mix, as the drums lay down an often danceable beat. It's a pretty dark ride, though, because just like the Banshees, the Creatures' music always sounds vaguely sinister.

Shane Harrison

Contributed by Jerry Burch.