Today’s compilation:
Crack of a Belgian Whip 1990 EBM / Industrial / Synthpop
Here we have a sampler from a Belgian EBM and industrial label called KK Records that was released in the early 90s. It's a compilation that I didn't really expect to enjoy all that much and those expectations ended up being fully met! I really just am not a fan of the inherent overall harshness that defines most EBM and industrial stuff, or the purposely creepy vocals. Hard pass from me.
But I still listened to this thing, and I'm glad I did, because I came across two cool tunes that had the aspects of industrial music that I don't mind as much—mostly those sharp and abrasive drum machine tones—and didn't have any of that harshness that rubs me the wrong way either. "Watch Out" by Philadelphia Five is a pretty sweet, bare bones synth-and-drum-machine thing that cycles through a bunch of different drum rhythms and sounds on its back half, and the bed of synth work on Stereotaxic Device's "Lostland" seems to make for a song that's pretty perfect for a late night drive. I think it's far more in the vein of a sort of dark electro-synthpop than EBM or industrial anyway.
And this is why we listen to albums that we don't expect to like, folks! You really don't know that you won't like it until you actually listen to it. I've been pleasantly surprised by quite a few comps before, and while this wasn't one of those comps, I still managed to find a couple nifty gems nestled within this album 😊.
Highlights:
Philadelphia Five - "Watch Out" Stereotaxic Device - "Lostland"
