'Frozen Blood' is a collection of singles, Peel Sessions and live tracks culled from between 1980 and 1982. 'The Plateau Phase' was an album which over time, this reviewer grew to like more and more with each listen as its elegance worked its way into the heart. Sadly, over the course of 17 tracks this compilation is incredibly hard going with few shades of light and too much of Hempsall's weak vocals, at their worst on 'Drug User Drug Pusher' when he falls embarrassingly short attempting to raise his voice to a higher note. It starts off very well, despite being criticised in the otherwise reverential sleevenotes by James Nice, 'Not What I Expected' is a strong single propelled by doomy post-punk guitar. Second track, 'Deaf' features intense chanting rather than the incessant monotone moaning which fills up many of the other offerings here. Top marks also go to 'Eastern Bloc' for its chilling, haunting qualities and even manages what can only be referred to as a chorus. As for the rest, this is definitely either a fans-only affair or Utopia for those who reckon Department S's 'Is Vic There?' is one of the greatest songs of all time.