Lush - Split

Lush's Split (1994) is critically re-evaluated as a sophisticated, emotionally charged masterpiece of dream-pop and shoegaze, often cited as their best work. Featuring standout tracks like "Desire Lines" and "Hypocrite," it offers a blend of moody soundscapes and pop melodies, heavily lauded for its improved production by Mike Hedges over their debut. "Desire Lines" is widely considered an "elegaic epic" and a high point of the album. Other favorites include the moody "Light From a Dead Star," the punk-pop inclined "Hypocrite," and "Blackout". Initially overlooked due to the waning popularity of shoegaze upon its 1994 release, it is now considered an essential, underrated album of the era. 

Review by Andy Kellman

Entire albums spent exploring the depths of the various nasty things surrounding romantic relationships were nothing new by the mid-'90s, but the vaguely cinematic and slightly conceptual Split is something more. Perhaps it's the manner in which each distinctive song manages to melt into the next. Or maybe it's the across-the-board improvements over Spooky. Most knew they were capable of more after the decent but flawed record, but it's doubtful many could have predicted something this thoroughly wonderful and varied. Throughout, Lush sounds confident and downright muscular, as opposed to the feathery wisps of earlier material that could be knocked down with the slightest of breezes. Miki Berenyi's high-heaven vocals have increased range, power, and presence. Chris Acland's drums propel the proceedings more than before, perhaps pushed into better realms by new bassist Phil King. Producer Mike Hedges knows just what to do with the band's elements, adding grace and balance that no other could previously achieve. Kudos as well to a bang-up job by mixmaster Alan Moulder. It's an ardent roller coaster ride, centered around the lengthy mourners "Desire Lines" (oddly a single) and "Never-Never," which clock in at eight minutes apiece. Berenyi effectively conveys the resigned and soul-deadened nature of the lyrics. "Blackout" and "Hypocrite" prove the band's ability to be more assaultive, laying the foundation for their sound on Lovelife. Through breezy pop ("Lit Up"), brief shards of electrocuting dread ("Invisible Man"), and tales of obsessive voyeurism ("Starlust"), Split touches on most forms of emotional turbulence. Not necessarily a comeback but certainly a legitimizing stunner, the record prevented the band from being lost amidst the bunker of form-over-function dream pop bands. Split shattered every negative aspect of those failed acts with flying colors. A fantastic record within any realm.

Ripped to MP3

1. Light From A Dead Star (3:15)

2. Kiss Chase (3:17)

3. Blackout (3:06)

4. Hypocrite (2:53)

5. Lovelife (3:56)

6. Desire Lines (7:37)

7. The Invisible Man (2:14)

8. Undertow (4:57)

9. Never-Never (8:04)

10. Lit Up (4:00)

11. Starlust (4:30) 

12. When I Die (4:17)