Artist: Cabaret Voltaire Album: Code

Year: 1987
Duration: 0:0-1

The Code of Cabaret Voltaire: A Critical Review

Cabaret Voltaire has been a major force in the post-punk, new-wave, and industrial music scene since the late 1970s. With the release of their 1987 album, Code, the band established themselves as true icons of the alternative music movement. In this critical review, we'll take a closer look at the album, its genre, the best songs of the album, and the most innovative moments that still reverberate to this day.

To really understand Code, you have to put yourself in the mindset of the late 1980s. The world was in the grips of a cultural and political upheaval, and the industrial music genre was at the forefront of the revolution. Code was Cabaret Voltaire's sixth album and marked a shift towards a more danceable, electronic sound that became a hallmark of the era. The album was a collection of dark, brooding instrumentals that blended elements of post-punk rock and early techno. It was a time when DJs and producers were experimenting with new sounds and technology, and Cabaret Voltaire was one of the groups at the forefront of this movement.

While Code was an instrumental album, it didn't lack in substance. The tracks were rich and layered, with intricate beats that wouldn't sound out of place in a modern-day techno club. The standout songs on the album include Don't Walk Away, Hypnotised, and Theme From Earthshaker. These three tracks showcase the band's ability to create a sonic landscape that was both dark and danceable. The songs were a reaction to the cultural climate of the time, where people wanted to escape and dance to the beat of a different drum.

One of the most innovative parts of Code was the use of sampling, which was a relatively new concept at the time. The album was filled with snippets of movie dialogue, industrial noises, and electronic glitches. These samples added to the overall mood of the album and helped to create a cohesive theme that was dark and futuristic. Cabaret Voltaire's use of sampling was groundbreaking and paved the way for future artists to experiment with the concept.

In terms of criticism, Code was a polarizing album that received mixed reviews from critics. Some felt that the lack of vocals made the album feel one-dimensional, while others praised the complex instrumentals and use of sampling. While Code may not have been the band's most commercially successful album, it was a critical success that cemented their place in the history of industrial music.

In conclusion, Cabaret Voltaire's Code was a groundbreaking album that paved the way for the industrial and electronic music scene that we know today. While the lack of vocals may have turned off some listeners, the complex instrumentals and innovative use of sampling made it a critical success that still reverberates to this day. Code was a testament to the band's ability to push the boundaries of music and create soundscapes that were both dark and danceable. Cabaret Voltaire's influence can still be heard in modern-day artists, and Code will forever remain a testament to their artistic prowess.