This is the first
compilation released by Cheltenham England-based Wasp Factory. It came out in
November 2000 and there are more bands on the roster and quite a few releases
since then, but this compilation will give you a decent idea of the various
groups on the label. One of the cool things about getting this album is
receiving one of the collectable cards with it, featuring one of the bands on
this compilation. The label had a release party at London's Underworld with
interesting line-up combinations. See the photos at
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~uncle/3_12_00.htm. Also,
the band Freudstein has elements of their songs spread liberally throughout
this album.
CHAOS ENGINE
The first two cuts are by
Chaos Engine, showing off their industrial melange of interesting lyrics,
samples and music. I've said a lot more about Chaos Engine in another review
found in this month's issue, so if interested take a look there!
http://www.chaosengine.com
ARKHAM ASYLUM
This is a Brighton-based
band which is a bit reminicent of Ministry with a good measure of gabba thrown
in the mix. One reviewer said "it's Rage Against the Machine gone goth" and I
think this is an apt description. Arkham Asylum will be one of the bands
performing at the April 2002 Whitby Gothic Weekend.
http://www.btinternet.com/~arkham.asylum/
LEECH WOMAN
The songs on here do not even
come close to the intensity and aural damage one experiences seeing this band
live. They are very intense and loud onstage, and parts of this come through on
these two sample songs. Just think of smoke, throbbing drums and machinery -
this will give you a bit of a clue to their sound.
http://www.leechwoman.co.uk
GOTEKI
Formerly known at Sneaky Bat
Machine, these are the first few songs of the newly-formed Bristol-based
Goteki. There is still quite a bit of the SBM feel to these songs. Their
full-length album has taken a different direction: more techno/bleepy than
their SBM personna. I still like these songs a lot, but that's understandable
since I liked Sneaky Bat Machine a lot. See my Goteki review in this issue for
more info.
http://www.goteki.com
TARENTELLA SERPENTINE
Tarantella
Serpentine (Marcus and James) are very hard to describe. Basically, one man
with a boa and police warning tape, and another long-haired man who plays
keyboard/synth, onstage with much ranting and raving. Both of the songs on here
are remixes and nowhere near as intense as they are live, but they give one a
very good idea of what to expect. Seeing Sugar Sugar performed live can
be a cathartic experience for the band as well as for the audience.
http://www.tarantellaserpentine.co.uk
HYDRA
A London-based band with an
industrial sound mixed with punk sensibilities. It's an interesting mix, but
not my cup of tea.
http://www.slainofthehydra.co.uk
SQUID
I saw this band a few years ago as
a last-minute opener and thought at first that they were an alternate-universe
Marilyn Manson. They have grown a lot since that night and for the better.
http://www.squid616.com
SKINFLOWERS
Scratchy, melodic,
guitar-driven indie-pop. At least on here and on the first CD. Rumour has it
that they are changing their sound a bit for CD number 2, so we will have to
see what direction they have gone from here.
http://www.skinflowers.co.uk
Contact
Information:
Web:
http://www.wasp-factory.com
