Auto-Da-Fé

As a compilation, this is a somewhat odd proposition; the beginning of a more organized approach for SPK material. The first half consists of singles dating back to before the release of Information Overload Unit, the latter is post - Leichenschrei, but pre - Machine Age Voodoo material, so this ‘lil beaut‘ is essentially sandwiched between their beginning and their re-birth. Auto Da-Fe presents an intriguing industrial-disco fusion, reminiscent of prime contemporary material by Cabaret Voltaire and DAF. With early material vacillating between noisy textures and punk trappings and the later tracks showing hints of their synth-pop direction, both halves excel greatly in what they seek to do. Although fans probably thought of Auto Da-Fe as an unconscionable crossover attempt, it's still quite experimental in retrospect.

Metal Dancing

Ok, I always really enjoyed this infamous 12” single since the early 80’s. Of course, any fan of the "true" SPK hates the commercial transformation that occurred in 1983/4 starting with “Metal Dance” 12". Still I have to say, the two tracks on this single are great! The combination of metal percussion and typical synthpop sounds works really well here and it's not at all as Depeche Mode as “Machine Age Voodoo" would eventually become. If “Machine Age Voodoo” had sounded anything like this "Metal Dance" 12", it would have been a truly revolutionary, legendary crossover album between industrial and more synthpop sensibilities, long before Cabaret Voltaire, to name but one band who lost their way. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, and even the album version of "Metal Dance" has nothing to do with the superb A Side of this single. Unbiased listeners of 80's electronics, don't let SPK's hardcore fans fool you, this designed to be played loud single is a forgotten classic.

Allegedly the Desire Records 7” single version of “Metal Dance” is the superior version. I haven’t heard it, but if someone has one to share…

Machine Age Voodoo

Australian first wave industrial group SPK's Machine Age Voodoo was a radical departure from their earlier music, enough to earn the pioneering noise group accusations of selling out from ardent fans. This much is fact, but if you look at industrial music in context in the middle to late 80's patterns start to emerge.

The thing is this is SPK's attempt at a commercial album. For anyone familiar with Information Overload Unit, and Leichenschrei, two defining industrial/noise albums if there ever were any, Machine Age Voodoo may come as a bit of a shock. Hiring a female vocalist in the form of Sinan Leong (who later went on to become Revell's wife), gone is the harsh sound frequencies, mechanical dark ambience and disturbing samples of old. In is 80's dance pop, and damn, is it upbeat and energetic. Hell, the opening title track may be one of the best New Wave songs I’ve ever heard with its tribal beats, horns and vocals. Machine Age Voodoo, the song, sets a high standard for industrialised synthpop. Flesh & Steel is what I would consider another essential cut on here. With its infectious bassline and percussion, and sensual vocals it rivals the title track on a whole different level.

Overall, Machine Age Voodoo is just kind of patchy. It's a refreshing listen for anyone who enjoys new wave and 80's dance pop, but may find itself at odds with anyone who is seeking more of the soul-crushing noise which was predominant on Information Overload Unit and Leichenschrei. This album is all about the hooks. Along with other seminal 80's releases by industrial artists who went synthpop (such as Cabaret Voltaire's Micro-Phonies and Chris & Cosey's Heartbeat), I find Machine Age Voodoo a slight, but worthwhile listen for gauging the direction of industrial music at the time. The title track and Flesh & Steel are essential, though.