Love and Rockets have always had a penchant for the sins of the flesh. And while their lyrics sometimes border on the cartoonish with their over-the-top fantasies, the songs themselves are irresistibly catchy. The English trio's sixth album, Sweet F.A., is a return to the Love and Rockets sound found on the late-'80s efforts Express and Earth Sun Moon, with many of Sweet F.A.'s songs combining eerie, hazy drug moments with squalls of sexy guitar and thumping dance beats.

On "Sweet Lover Hangover," guitarist Daniel Ash wraps a slippery riff around his sultry cooings, while "Use Me" grinds away over Ash's gleeful cave-in to a partner in a lurid domination fantasy. Just a horny young boy's wet dreams? Sure, but instead of simply being locker-room material, Sweet F.A. is a slinky ride through trashy living, making for a refreshing escape from lily-white conservatism. (RS 736)

MATT HENDRICKSON