THX (4) – Living In Purgatory

how we used to blast that first track on our home stereos back in the day... good times :)

This record is pretty tough to find in the US. I've only ever seen
one copy of it, which is the copy I own. I don't think very many
copies were imported when it came out, which would account
for it's scarcity. It certainly ranks among the better of the unknown
early EBM efforts that I've heard to date. Another artist that
has a very similar vibe / sound as this (THX) is G.G.F.H.
If you like this then you will certainly like them equally as much.

This is an absolute MONSTER of an EBM orientated, only slightly industrial album of technoid darkness.
This truly stands out above most straight up EBM as it isn't over burdened with FM synthesis. This gives it broader appeal. It has a wider range of synth noises both leading and subtle, while creating a recognisable sound palette. Solid, clear drums pervade the whole recording with well understood use of effects processors but above all else is it's the brilliant all round production and mixdown. Fat, clear and punchy with plenty of spatial playfulness and space between all parts. The low toned, dark, slightly distorted and broody unhurried vocals seem to be the one consistent thread through out the album.
I got a Test Pressing from Red Rhino Records (Pics included) before its release and this has been in and out of my record box since. Mostly in.
Blow by Blow.
Side 1.
"New World Order" 5.09. Soft bongos, wide, fat bass and a short, nicely rounded guitar like stab with snippets of Bush Snr making his New World Order speech kick us off. THX (Mission: Ring Kenny at PIAS and find out who the hell this IS - WAS) then starts his brooding poetry turning the table on the New World Order over the kick drum (Not a snare in sight on this track). Tense but soft chords flow lightly L to R and the chorus brings forth low mix Hi Freq pattern, adding intent.Truly broody, moody intro to the album.
"Sedation" 5.43. (Woman's voice) "If you feel you are not properly sedated, call 348 844 immediately. Failure to do so may result in prosecution for DRUG EVASION". What an intro! where the hell is that from? The synth sound driving this sucker is very Roland 101/303 over driven squelch sounding. very wide kick on this one and the snare is introduced to the albums arsenal. Heavy use of Roland space echo and good song construction of breakdowns and bridges between meatier verses with vocals like: "I can't. Feel. Love. I can't. Feel, Touch." and more samples about taking your drugs. Man, this is dark stuff!
"Holy City Zoo" 5.29. "Haaaaa le lu yah!" Kettle drums, then Islamic calls to worship start this religious war inspired track. Throbbing, simple bassline and a great tweaky, staccato synth back THX's vocal condemnation of the religious war in the middle east. Nostradm(us), Saddam, fanatics with automatics who kill for religion, that been their mission. man, this guy's tellin it like it is - still! This track is as relevant today as it was in 91.
"Luv n Trust" 5.53. Reverbed bubblin staccato 101/303 and a more familiar EBM like bass synth for this one. Computer noises like those of the machines in Blade Runner and long nasty synth chords accompany THXs vocal before a female spoken sample chorus intones "I love you.I love you. I trust you. I trust you" over and over. Some woman lied and has pissed him off!..I know how he feels! This builds really well as it gets meatier and fuller half way through then changes again towards the end. exit with THX - "I. Don't. believe you. I. Don't. Believe you". Yeah mate, I could dedicate this to a few of the women in my life!
Side 2.
"The Right To Die" 3.33. Did you guess? Yup! Blade Runner sample alert! "All those. moments. will be lost. in time. Like. tears. in rain". The brooding tone continues but this time the full drums start quicker and there's an melancholy bell like synth riff. mid toned squelchy 101 riff runs beneath lush chords. THX rhymes his way through this one about suffering, ending with another Blade Runner classic; "Time. to die".
"The Face Of Fear" 3.52. Heart beat. "Radiation rate, is 9" fem vox sample and then Rutger returns with "It's not an easy thing. to meet your maker". The pace is quicker and a pitch bent note repeats its way through the drums before it gets really going. Crazy, abstract synth randoms and more Blade Runner samples ensue on this THX vocal-less monster. This is head down, foot stompin, shape throwin gear of the darkest order. BEWARE!
"To Travel" 4.52. This is THE tune of the album! Bending multi synth patch chords and a tense bass riff bring us in. High chords then range overhead while THX takes us on a dark journey" through time. And space" with appearances of the Asian female voice from the "Off world" flying advert of Blade Runner. An uber catchy squelch makes this one infectious tune. The album is a slept on gem but it's worth tracking down just for this track!
"Love Lost" 3.35: Floaty start to this slow tempo beatless ambient burner. Female, ethereal choralness, tambourine and bell synth patterns atop a FAT bassline and the now assured quality spatial production with THX kind of continuing the theme of the previous track.
"Holy City Zoo (Version)" 5.41. Pickin up the pace into a more techno, four to the floor insistent version excursion of a previous track. Fatter bass and a different style of vocal delivery from THX. low level bleeps a la Sweet Exorcist and the kick is further up in the mix to drive the dancefloor. A great, uptempo end to a corcking album.
who the hell IS THX?!
Is it Jack U Rebels himself?

This pretty much unique album deserves your attention!
10/10!!!