Artist: Fad Gadget Album: Under the Flag

Year: 1982
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Fad Gadget's Album, Under the Flag

If you're a fan of post-punk, electronic, or experimental music, then you've likely heard of Fad Gadget. The London-based artist was active in the late 70s and early 80s and released several albums before his untimely death in 2002. One of his most renowned works is the album, Under the Flag. In this blog post, we'll be taking a critical look at this album, discussing its history, genre, best tracks, most innovative parts, and ultimately, whether it's worth listening to.

Before we dive into the album, let's take a brief look at Fad Gadget's history. Born Francis John Tovey, he started performing in the late 70s and signed with the renowned Mute Records in 1979. Fad Gadget was known for his experimental and unconventional approach to music, which drew inspiration from industrial, synth-pop, and post-punk genres. Under the Flag, released in 1982, was Fad Gadget's third album and marked a departure from his earlier more primitive and punkish sound.

The genre of Under the Flag is difficult to pin down as it exhibits characteristics from various genres. The tracks vary from electronic to post-punk and are filled with distorted riffs and industrial sounds. It's an album that's pioneering in its use of electronic instrumentation and has been praised for its raw energy and its ability to create uneasy and haunting soundscapes.

One of the standout tracks on the album is State of the Nation, which is a biting criticism of the effects of war and modern-day society. The track's industrial beat, razor-sharp riffs, and Fad Gadget's raspy vocals create a sense of unease and tension. Another notable track is King of the Flies, which is a melodious tune that features Fad Gadget's vocal range. The track is notable for its carefree, upbeat feel, which is in contrast to the rest of the album's darker themes.

The album's most innovative part, however, is its use of sounds and textures. Fad Gadget incorporates a range of industrial and mechanical soundscapes that create an eerie, uneasy mood. The album is also notable for its use of unconventional instruments like a modified electric drill, creating sounds that are unique and fresh. The production on the album is impeccable, and it showcases Fad Gadget's ability to produce music that's ahead of its time.

Despite its acclaim, Under the Flag is not without its faults. The album is sometimes difficult to digest, and not all the tracks are equally strong. The album's concluding track, Tomorrow's World, seems like an afterthought and doesn't fit with the album's overall mood.

In conclusion, Under the Flag is a tremendous album that exhibits Fad Gadget's innovation and musical abilities. It's an album that's dark, eerie, and at times disturbing, but it's also rewarding. The album has influenced many up-and-coming artists in various genres and shows how electronic music can be used to create varied and unique musical experiences. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is undoubtedly worth a listen for anyone interested in experimental electronic music.

In conclusion, Under the Flag is a tremendous album that exhibits Fad Gadget's innovation and musical abilities. It's an album that's dark, eerie, and at times disturbing, but it's also rewarding. The album has influenced many up-and-coming artists in various genres and shows how electronic music can be used to create varied and unique musical experiences. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is undoubtedly worth a listen for anyone interested in experimental electronic music.