DISJECTA MEMBRA
Death by Discothèque (Single)
New Zealand's cult band Disjecta Membra returns with their first single in six years to celebrate a Gothic Rock career two decades long under their belt. Not devoid of humour and sarcasm, this two-track digital piece is entitled "Death by Discothèque". It's only available as free download while a 12" vinyl release is scheduled for early the next year, featuring the full-length version and three new remixes. So it's a perfect gift for those - myself included - within whom this band's storm of emotions and atmosphere took such deep root during the 1990s. Less is often more, and perhaps it explains why Disjecta Membra has outlived most of their contemporaries. Without being excessively prolific, they have managed to create an inalienable style which continues relevant today. Thus, their records are still spinned at every gothic club or radio station which should be worthy of that qualifier. It's therefore hard to believe that Disjecta Membra has been so unfairly underrated, although they played an active role in the genre's consolidation. Such is the outcome of refusing mainstream...
Nonetheless, Michel's gang is back definitely and with more force and charism than ever. The band seems to have wiped the slate clean and restarted themselves firing on every chord and drum, as "Death by Discothèque (single edit)" clearly demonstrates. It's a sinister and scorching rock'n'roll tune, featuring some typical US Goth sounds - in the style of legendary Screams For Tina, for instance. Its soaring guitars, spooky bass and solid drum lines take us back to the place where Goth originally formed. Hovering over all, Michel's resounding and grave voice provides an edgy vibe to the genuine low-fi soundscape. In contrast, Claus Larsen - founder of the Danish industrial act Leæther Strip - contributes his signature vision to the remixed version. Contrary to what might be expected from a club-centered transformation, this is a pretty stylish and non-intrusive one. Crisp electronic beats take over the intense pulse, sweeping synths mantain the original dark undercurrent, vocals fit well to the processed backdrop - even sounding more expresive without distractions - and, thereby, this dancefloor filler appears subtly masked by an eerie film. So, there's enough hook and variety in this pair of tracks to become ingrained in your mind for a long time. The new single from Disjecta Membra is authentic, yet cool, Goth in its broadest sense and manages to cause addiction from irony: "I fucking hate / fucking hate / fucking dark-dance-music /...".
Review by Billyphobia
- 01. Death by Discothèque [Single Edit]
- 02. Death by Discothèque [Leæther Strip Remix]