Second Nature

The Young Gods were the impetus for the recent revolution of mass electronica—Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and Rammstein. Second Nature, one of this Swiss trio’s most fluid albums, was released overseas through the scarcely known Intoxygene label. Nearly two years later, audiophile Mike Patton’s Ipecac Recordings has released it here. Although the Young Gods thrive on psychedelia, their most promising moments are found in up-tempo, knee-jerk-inducing numbers. From the mind-altering “Supersonic” to the single, “Lucidogen,” the Young Gods continue the magic found on their early Interscope releases, such as Only Heaven. What separates this group from the amalgam of wannabe industrial crybabies is its configuration of drums, keyboards and vocals. Live, the band is devastating; in the studio, it weaves intricacies and subtleties that, upon repeated listen, become more and more addicting.

(SN&R)