Unnatural History II (Smiling in the Face of Perversity)

Released in 1995, during the semi-lull in official Coil activity due to the never completed Backwards sessions and what would be separate albums in various alternate guises, Unnatural History II continues an overview of rarities and one-offs by the group, this time drawing not just on compilations but various B-sides, EPs, singles and then-unreleased songs. Like its predecessor, most selections are essentially instrumental, creating a focus that moves beyond John Balance’s admittedly compelling lyrical and vocal approaches. The most notable tracks are the six eerie and moody numbers that made up the later expanded version of The Unreleased Themes For Hellraiser, originally from 1987, but many more curiosities abound: “Contains A Disclaimer”’s acid-rock solo meets electronic stomp, the two-part sleek grooves of their Derek Jarman tribute “Theme From Blue,” the lengthy, winsomely weird and entrancing “Another Brown World.” There’s even, in classic 1990s CD fashion, a hidden track at the end: “The Hills Are Alive,” their contribution to the excellent Macro Dub Infection Vol. 1 compilation.