Artist: Cabaret Voltaire Album: Plasticity

Year: 1992
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Cabaret Voltaire's Album, Plasticity

Cabaret Voltaire has long been considered a pioneering band in the world of electronic music, and their album Plasticity is no exception. Released in 1992, this album pushed the boundaries of the genre and paved the way for many of today's most popular electronic artists. In this blog post, I'll be taking a critical look at Plasticity, its standout songs, and the most innovative aspects of the album. But before we dive in, let's take a brief look at the history of Cabaret Voltaire.

Cabaret Voltaire formed in Sheffield, England in the late 1970s as part of the post-punk movement. The band originally consisted of Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, and Chris Watson, but various members came and went over the years. Their early work was experimental and often abrasive, blending elements of punk, industrial, and electronic music. With Plasticity, Cabaret Voltaire continued to evolve and expand their sound.

One of the standout tracks on Plasticity is I Want You, a pulsing, hypnotic track that showcases the band's skill at layering different sounds and samples. The song is driven by a repetitive beat and features distorted vocals and snippets of dialogue, lending a sinister and dystopian vibe to the track. Spies in the Wires is another noteworthy song that highlights the band's use of innovative production techniques. The song features a driving beat and a distorted saxophone riff, but the most interesting aspect is the way the instruments are processed and manipulated, creating a more complex and textured sound.

One of the most innovative aspects of Plasticity is the way the band incorporates elements of jazz into their electronic compositions. This is most apparent on tracks like Jazz the Glass and Soul Vine (70 Billion People), which feature saxophone solos and jazzy chord progressions that feel organic and seamless, rather than forced or tacked-on. Cabaret Voltaire also blends different styles and influences on Plasticity, incorporating elements of funk, hip-hop, and ambient music throughout the album.

Despite its many strengths, Plasticity is not without its flaws. There are times when the album can feel a bit unfocused or meandering, especially on longer tracks like Nag Nag Nag. The production can also sound a bit dated at times, which is understandable given the time period in which the album was recorded, but can detract from the overall listening experience.

Overall, Plasticity is a fascinating and forward-thinking album that showcases Cabaret Voltaire's unique blend of punk, industrial, and electronic music. The album's standout tracks and innovative production techniques make it a must-listen for fans of electronic music, especially those interested in the early history of the genre. While it may not be a flawless album, Plasticity is a testament to the importance and impact of Cabaret Voltaire's contributions to electronic music.