'Original Sin' offers towering flames of melodic edifices, lyrics that delve into all aspects of sexual indulgence and regression. It provides for lapwings of laughter and rain storms of pain. It has orchestral jibes, Metallic kitsch, sub-Disco Gothicism and four female vocalists in Ellen Foley, Elaine Caswell, Gina Taylor and Deliria Wilde who provide brocades of baroque passion and sleazy innocence. This is Jim Steinman. Still cursing the genre that has nurtured him; Still gasping at his own motivations. A genius. Bereft of, and blessed with, all that implies.

SHEER GENIUS. Baroque eroticism. The Shangri-Las invoked by the spirit of Ken Russell and Lord Byron. Inebriated by the forbidden fruits of Balthazar's Feast and Barbara Steele. Teenage carnal dreams enveloping juvenile sexual fears. Great lyrics, fabulous vocal performance from Deliria Wilde. If Max Steiner had grown up on DW Griffiths, Buddy Holly and Playboy...