ALBUM REVIEW: Industry – TV Cult
German post-punk band, TV CULT, are back with their second record Industry. The Cologne-based quartet created the album to descend and really analyse the darker, bleaker world we inhabit today thanks to political tension and conflicts we see everyday on the news. In a way, the record is a way to capture emotions relating to aggression and frustration relating to issues from hypocritical conservative ideologies to world leaders who are active accomplices to violence and war.
What we have as a result is a record that, not only, serves as a soundscape that perfectly captures the bleaker themes they explore, but also captures moments of true beauty thanks to the nature of post-punk and how there are no limitations when it comes to what sounds and styles can be used. Opening track Communion, sets the moody atmosphere with the opening low alternative rock notes that are then somewhat juxtaposed with rough punk vocals that fall into the ‘shouty’ variety, until we get to the chorus that is where the vocals shift into something of a low growl style. It’s an intriguing concept in how it can feel relatively disjointed, yet it works so well. Following this is Overpressure which follows a similar style only this time infused with blues-rock. Admittedly, whilst still decent, it can be hard to tell the difference between the first two tracks given how they sound all too similar and it’s only thanks to the bluesy notes that one can tell we’ve moved into the next song.
Whilst Industry is a politically motivated record with an emphasis on the harsher sides of life, there are some beautiful melodic moments where we can hear songs bring in synths that take you back to the 80s and 90s. The latter time period actually comes from a playful nod to fellow Cologne artist HADDAWAY and their Eurodance hit What Is Love. Tracks that stand out in this category are Surrender, which brings in sounds that place you in the 80s, fitting given that the song is very horror punk inspired with the synths themselves sound very organ like; and Pyramids that, not only, feels inspired by 90s alternative rock but we swear we can also hear parts reminiscent of indie-rock that was predominant in the 00s.
Other stunning moments include Gavage, which we can picture being the track that goes off during a live performance thanks to it’s fast-punk meets garage rock blend that’s high in energy; Moonflower which serves as another solid blend of genres that include alternative rock, punk, and grunge, creating something is as moody as it is energetic; and closing track Symbols Of Death where we hear a return of the organ synths, placing us in a haunting otherworld, that then shifts between moments that are low in ambience to suddenly loud and intense with a heavy emphasis on the rough vocals, especially at the end where the music fades out but the vocals continue. An intriguing listening experience that in some moments makes you share in their frustration, the next sit back in wide-eyed awe.
Rating: 7/10
Industry is set for release October 10th via Flight 13.
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