Artist: Cabaret Voltaire Album: The Voice of America

Year: 1980
Duration: 0:0-1

A Journey into the World of Cabaret Voltaire: A Critical Review of their 1974-76 Album

Cabaret Voltaire was one of the pioneers of the industrial music genre and has been recognized as an influential band, shaping the music scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Their 1974-76 album is a compilation of their early works, providing listeners with a glimpse into the band’s roots and musical evolution. This album ranges from raw experimental sounds to powerful, beat-driven tracks, and showcases the band’s innovative style. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into Cabaret Voltaire's 1974-76 album and explore the history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and give a critical review of the album.

Cabaret Voltaire was formed in Sheffield, England in 1973 by Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, and Chris Watson. The band’s name was inspired by a nightclub with the same name in Zurich, Switzerland, which became a hub for the Dadaist and Surrealist movements in the 1910s and 1920s. Cabaret Voltaire’s music was influenced by different genres such as punk rock, industrial, and electronic music, and it was characterized by unconventional sounds and lyrics.

The 1974-76 album is a compilation of recordings made before the band signed with Rough Trade, featuring early experimental works that showcase the band’s raw and avant-garde sound. The album starts with the track Do the Snake, which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its post-punk, repetitive rhythm and layered vocals. “No Escape” is another standout track with its dark and menacing bassline, repetitive drums and distorted vocals.

“Sluggin’ for Jesus” is one of the most powerful tracks on the album, featuring a fierce beat and raw vocals. The track Baader Meinhof is also noteworthy for its layered synths and mechanical sound effects. Cabaret Voltaire's influence on the early industrial music genre can be clearly heard on tracks like “On Every Other Street” and “The Set Up,” which incorporate a wide array of electronic sounds from drum machines to synthesizers.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the band’s use of tape loops and sound manipulation techniques, creating a layered soundscape that is both hypnotic and disorientating. The track In Quest of the Unusual is a prime example of this, featuring distorted guitars, sci-fi sound effects, and spoken word samples. Another noteworthy example is the closing track The Humorless Ladies of Border Control, which sounds like a procession of industrial machines and sets an ominous tone to the end of the album.

In conclusion, Cabaret Voltaire’s 1974-76 album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history and evolution of industrial music. It's fascinating to hear the band’s early experimentation and how their sound evolved over time. The album showcases the band’s diverse influences, ranging from punk rock to electronic music, and their innovative use of tape loops, sound manipulation, and synths, making it a vital release for electronic and industrial enthusiasts alike. Although the album may not be for everyone, it’s undeniable that Cabaret Voltaire’s music shaped a significant chapter in the music industry, and their influence can still be heard in various genres today.

Cabaret Voltaire’s 1974-76 album is a remarkable journey through the band’s early experimental works and a testament to their raw and unique sound. The band’s influence on the early industrial music genre is undeniable, and the album is an important artifact of the music scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Although the album may not be for everyone due to its challenging and unconventional sound, it’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to explore the roots and evolution of electronic and industrial music.