Cabaret Voltaire - 2X45

This is probably the closest Cabaret Voltaire have come to making a rock album. This release comprises two recording sessions, one from October '81 (just before co-founder Chris Watson's departure) and the other from February '82. There's a definite difference of feel between each record, an example of just how fast the group was moving.

Of the first three tracks on the first record, 'Yashar' is the standout track and to this day it remains one of the group's signature tunes. There's a strong Middle Eastern influence the winds its way through the track both in melody and percussion elements. Electronics and samples are downplayed somewhat in favour of pulsing hypnotic elements. 'Breathe Deep' has a faster dancier feel and is probably one the smoothest aggro dance tracks ever.

The tracks on the second record are slightly more streamlined musically, as the group are now without Watson. Kirk and Mal are left to run the show. Long-time collaborator Alan Fish takes care of percussion. On 'T.E.S. War Of Nerves', eerie spoken samples about methods of torture open up the track only to give in to the dark paranoia in Mal’s lyrics. His vocals are menacing and unsettling. It’s easily the centerpiece of the album, at least in my opinion. The two last tracks, ‘Wait & Shuffle’ and ‘Get Out Of My Face’ have a dark, slightly more ambient and melodic feel, showing the Cabs shedding their earlier electro-terrorist noise in favour of actual harmonies, slightly more accessible sound structures and, above all, a strong pounding beat. Clearly, the band were closing one chapter in their musical development and opening another. Their subsequent end with Rough Trade, which had signed them originally, and new arrangement with Some Bizzare also marked a change for the group.

I would definitely file ‘2X45’ under my ‘Recommended/Can’t-Live-Without’ stack.