Almost three years on from the release of their critically acclaimed debut album 'Faith In Oblivion' Uninvited Guest release their second full-length opus entitled 'Malice In Wonderland'. Although not a concept album as such, 'Malice In Wonderland' has a very strong theme, concerning the Human race, its troubles and its darkness (Malice), but also its joys and its fantasies (Wonderland). ... 'Mother Nature Made A Monster' was originally written when the band first formed in 2002, but now, with much debate in politics and the media about climate change etc the band decided to re-write the track. It is a fitting opener for the album and indeed a song for our times. 'Abigail' is a daring supporting hand for the victims of child abuse, a subject not easily explored in music. Abigail survived but cleaning out ones closet is not at all easy! It's not often you hear a waltz on a modern rock album. 'Strange Gothic Romance' is just that! The lyric portrays a beautifully dark fantasy, a dream sequence of escapism and grandeur. Placed third on the album to lift the mood after the previous two pieces. Track four, originally called 'The Disappearing Of Tommy, is a potent tale of a young boys struggle with bullying. Re-titled 'The Law Of The Playground', as many such stories could be told. No happy ending here but unfortunately this is all too often the case. Sombre Défilé continues the mood, a brief haunting instrumental, it translates as Dark Procession and builds slowly into the next track, the frustrated angst of 'Your Private Hell'. A dark and desperate plea to a dysfunctional friend or lover, sometimes enough really is too much! Again the mood is lifted with 'Join The Dance', a celebration of the WGW (Whitby Gothic Weekend) festival. Embracing the fun and freedom that the event bestows on its eclectic crowds at this twice-annual event. 'Still I Miss The Man' is singer Dean's tribute to his late father who died of cancer in May 2006 (and to whom the album is dedicated). Some people visit graves, some buy flowers and some pray. Dean expressed his feelings this way, a deeply personal and emotional song, the meaning of which can be so easily related to by so many others. 'You Are Your Kingdom' is a loud and proud proclamation of self-belief and determination. Tribal and intense, an invigorating romp through the many questions that help us to determine our goals and purpose. Jack the Ripper may not have been quite as he seemed, dark and shadowy? Well maybe, but maybe he had a bit more of the Oscar Wilde about him? A 19th century Dandy perhaps? This is the approach the band takes on 'Jack Dandy', a 19th century tale told over 20th century jazz by a 21st century band. Bizarre, dark and great fun! If there was a criticism of 'Faith In Oblivion' it was the amount of anti religious lyrical subject matter. In 'Human' Dean appeals to the humanity in all men. In the verses he observes the media coverage of the hatred and turmoil brought about by opposing religious beliefs, then on the chorus pleads for all men to embrace humanity and stop the hatred that is nurtured in such belief…its about time…isn't it time? 'Wonderland' is a wonderfully manic, intense and spiralling collage of all that has gone before, representing nature being systematically destroyed by mankind's plundering. Double Dare is a cover of the Bauhaus classic, long a favourite in the bands live set they considered it a suitable bonus track to finish the album. ... Nearly three years in the making, 'Malice In Wonderland' is a soundtrack for life in our time, a dark fairy-tale of life's pleasures and pain, anguish and happiness, cruel reality and deliciously dark fantasy…ENJOY