T.H.D.* - The Evolution Of Our Decay

Face it, electro industrial is all but dead. its current state is dominated by generic music of the most tepid kind, either delivered with "anthemic" clean vocals, or distorted "angry" vocals and most containing the worst form of generic club techno musically. yet, if one would believe the promotional words of a certain large record label that peddles most of this trash, there are literally hundreds of bands that are "cutting edge" "breaking new ground" and the like. However, every once and awhile, something comes along that is truly exceptional.

THD is Shawn Rudiman. THD started MANY years ago, long before the market was saturated by crap, as a pretty standard electro industrial act that many people compared (favorably) to tactical neural implant on their first record (mechanical advantage). but this was just the beginning. over the years, THD refined their sound, and stayed very much on the cutting edge of intelligent electronic music (outside in, for example), though you would never have known it from the general lack of support that they received (well, relative to other acts, who had far less talent, but gained much more popularity, which i blame on the general sheep like mentality of the so called scene). after a pair of albums on the soon to be doomed pendragon records (watz your program and under a static sky) Mr. Rudiman delved into the realm of techno for awhile, and that stuff was pretty solid, but another story altogether.

the evolution on our decay came as a surprise to me (that THD was still around, and recording new music), and i actually only heard about it BECAUSE of discogs. i am so glad i did. on this album, THD dispenses music of the highest quality, without trapping themselves in the cliches of genre. THD has been favourably compared to the brilliant render by lassigue bendthaus (atom heart) and this album could arguably continue in that vein. however, a mere comparision does not really do the record justice, as THD are their own identity, and nobody's puppet. the music follows a dark direction similar to their outside in record, but more layered, with more maturity and purpose to the sounds. the lyrics immediately struck me as sincere and thought provoking, yet delivered in a very original manor.

ive tried to pin it down, and for me, what i like about the words, and the music for that matter is there is a distinct north american perspective to it. other than a few notable exceptions, the "electro industrial" genre has typically seen the cream of its crop emerge from europe, so it is quite refreshing to hear someone from this side of the pond take such a fresh and forward thinking approach to this genre.
of course, when i say "this genre" i open myself up for a fierce debate over what is what, and what should be called what. i know, its a tired and old debate, and this album actually transcends such a simple classification, but does clearly belong in the large family tree who's roots begin with front 242 and skinny puppy. given that those are where my own roots began as a listener of music beyond the radio driven synth pop of the day, i find that there is also a subtle homage to the past as well.
its unfortunate that this is only a digital release for now, but it is on itunes, and a steal at 10 bucks. also, its companion cd/ep/whatever "subconscious drip" is also there, and just as worthy.

if you find yourself revisiting your haujobb/forma tadre/lassigue bendthaus records, longing for the days when artists took some risks to make some very forward thinking, intelligent electro, then i believe that the evolution of our decay should leave you completely satisfied. i highly recommend checking it out!