Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Even the Thumb's lead singer Mark 'Clinch' McClinchey told CR that "the title sounds really dodgy." But any thoughts that 'Magic Balloon Man' was going to be some ghastly recreation of 60s psychedelia is soon dispersed with this new 5-song cassette of indie rock abrasion. My favourite is indeed the title track, a compelling, churning, grungey opus which looks at the drugs and alcohol fixations of The Magic Balloon Man' and the answer in Christ. But other cuts are almost as good, the almost anarcho-punk "Good Things" and the haunting opener "Jam Runs Long". Excellent thought-provoking rock from a great band.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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