LUXURY STRANGER
'Empty Men'/'Frozen' Single
Trash Vogue Records
PIERS SIXX

I can still recall first seeing Luxury Stranger at The Old Salutation in Nottingham, a one-time bikers' pub and venue for some corking gigs. Luxury Stranger took to the stage, singer and guitarist Simon York in the most elaborate Kabuki-style make up I've ever seen, and delivered a set that was simply amazing. After the show I cornered Simon, as the make-up oozed down his face and giving the impression that his head was melting,  I told him what a great band they were, he simply said "Thank you", with a massive grin.

Fast forward a couple of years and I've written many a review of the band's dazzling performances, as well as interviewing them for both Nightbreed Radio and other music organs. You could probably describe me as a fan.

So, it comes as a relief that 'Empty Men' is now a single, and a double A side single to boot. Not included on the Commitment and Discipline album, 'Empty Men' has been a live favourite for a long while, a cracking, pulsing sky-scorching beast of a tune. Comparisons with early Cure are now redundant, Luxury Stranger now plough their own fertile fields and reap their own post-punk crops.

If you've seen Luxury Stranger play live you'll know the song, 'Empty Men' deals with paranoia and dual personalities and soaring guitars, and is a damn fine song.Like all good singles, 'Empty Men' has an equally good B-side. 'Frozen' is a pop song written about a sordid night out, waking up and realising you're not alone. We've all had Sunday mornings like that, right?

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