Based on the principles of balance,
Measure for Measure is half-produced by
David Lord, half by
Rhett Davies. American and European editions benefit from a better track list, which opens with the
Davies-produced "No Promises." A little too close to
Bowie and
Metheny's "This Is Not America," perhaps, but very nice all the same. "Cross the Border" resembles and continues the close relationship with
Simple Minds, and features a strong
Brian Eno back vocal motif. Another of the
RD-produced pieces, "The Flame," although about the struggles in South Africa, opens with a watery, orient-like synth treatment before a strong beat, courtesy of
Steve Jansen, and a
Talk Talk-sounding synth take charge. Newer realms are visited by Spanish guitar on "Angel Street," but the
Bowie references can't be shaken, with much of the later part relying on squally glam rock ("Regular Boys" and the career-reviving "Baby You're So Strange"). Had the color of bonus CD cuts "Too Late Now" (a definitive
Icehouse sound) and "Into the Wild" been included, how different things might have been. A few blocks up from the bland
Sidewalk but a few buildings short of
Man of Colours. ~ Kelvin Hayes