Artist: Coil Album: Scatology

Year: 1984
Duration: 54:56

Coil's Scatology: A Masterpiece of Experimental Music

When it comes to experimental music, Coil is a band that stands out from the rest. The British duo, formed by John Balance and Peter Christopherson, created unique and boundary-pushing sounds that inspired and influenced a generation of musicians. Their debut album Scatology, released in 1984, is like a sonic journey through the most unknown and strange corners of the mind. In this critical review, we will explore the history of Coil, the musical genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and a final critique of the work.

Coil started in 1982 as a project that sought to explore the boundaries of music, art, and spirituality. John Balance and Peter Christopherson came from diverse backgrounds in the art world, from performance art to graphic design, and brought their influences and ideas into the music. The band had a reputation for being provocative, controversial, and avant-garde. Coil's music and aesthetics were heavily influenced by their interest in magick, mysticism, and the occult. Scatology, their first album, is a perfect example of their experimental approach to sound.

The musical genre of Scatology is hard to define, as Coil mixed elements of industrial, electronic, ambient, and noise to create something entirely new and groundbreaking. The album is like a puzzle of sonic textures, odd rhythms, and eerie atmospheres. The voice of John Balance is haunting and visceral, filled with screams, growls, and whispers. The use of unconventional instruments, such as chains, metal objects, and broken glass, adds to the sense of unease and disorientation. The themes of the album are dark, esoteric, and surreal, dealing with death, decay, and transformation.

The best songs of the album are Ubu Noir, Cardinal Points, and At the Heart of It All. Ubu Noir is a hypnotic and repetitive track that creates a sense of ritualistic immersion. Cardinal Points is a delicate and melancholic piece that showcases the use of string instruments and the ethereal voice of John Balance. At the Heart of It All is a prime example of Coil's mastery of creating intense and dense soundscapes. The track is a crescendo of noise, distortion, and feedback that culminates in a climactic finale.

The most innovative parts of the album are the vast sonic palettes, the unconventional use of objects and instruments, and the masterful production. Coil's music is not only experimental but also highly produced. Christopherson was a skilled sound engineer and designed the sonic architecture of Scatology with great care. The album is a rollercoaster of shocks, surprises, and revelations.

A final critique of the work is that Scatology is not an easy album to listen to. The music is challenging, dense, and sometimes disturbing. It requires an open mind and a willingness to dive into the unknown. However, once you do, you will be rewarded with one of the most innovative and groundbreaking works of experimental music ever created. Scatology is a masterpiece of sonic exploration and a testament to the visionary creativity of Coil.

Coil's Scatology is not an album for everyone, but for those who dare to venture into the unknown, it is a rewarding and mind-expanding experience. The music of Coil is like a portal to other dimensions, a journey through the uncharted territories of the imagination. Scatology is an excellent reminder of the power of experimental music and the importance of pushing the boundaries of art and creativity.