Now sadly no more, Ireland's Whipping Boy completed their third album in 1998 but it gets its release two years later with hardly a whiff of publicity. A great shame because just like their highly-acclaimed second effort, 'Heartworm', this eponymous LP is excellent. Coming across like a bitter and more intense version of U2 their attacks on the music industry (a cheese grater on the cover?) and the creatures within it would sound bitchy and pretentious without the solid foundations of their musical abilities to rely on. 'Bad Books', 'Mutton' and 'Puppets' showcase a band at the peak of their powers with Fergal McKee's growling vocals delivering barbed retorts at all and sundry whilst guitars rage melodically hitting memorable, rousing choruses with incredible accuracy on each occasion. This is an album of many fine moments though and is perfect material for those who thought that The Chameleons and The Comsat Angels offered more than U2 and Echo And The Bunnymen.