There was a time when Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy went by the name Southern Death Cult. There was a time when their goth rock stylings intersected with arena rock attitude. There was a time when a larger-than-life wail met bigger-than-god riffs. It was a new kind of spiritualism inside the temple of rock. It was a Sonic Temple, if you will.

Age had its way with the Cult. Astbury couldn’t nail the notes on stage like he used to. Duffy’s riffing became uninspired. The act’s last album was a real snorefest (review) and perhaps for that reason they’re making an attempt at reliving the past with a tour celebrating a classic album released some twenty four years ago (apparently they were feeling their careers might not survive to a proper “25 year” anniversary). Maybe it was Astbury’s experience aping Jim Morrison in the pitiful Doors redux that circulated for a couple years earlier this decade. Who knows for certain? In any event the band is hitting the Twin Towns this evening for a performance of Love in its entirety (among other hits) at the mighty First Avenue. Tickets are spendy. The event is 18+ and begins at 7:30 with Living Things opening. Those of you non-locals might want to check out when the act is hitting your city. Go here for more info.

Oh, and Love was recently re-released in an expanded, remastered, blah blah blah edition. So be sure to check it out…