FGFC820 - Homeland Insecurity

Last year's 'Defense Condition 2' EP served not only as a re-introduction to the political, strong message that Rexx and Dräcos like to deliver, but as a hint that FGFC820 are evolving. It had enough spark to make me relish a new full-length, but also contained enough elements of a newer sound to leave me wondering where the next direction would lead to.

Going into this release, I'm looking for a continuation of the solid "Law & Ordnance", with an onus on Arkana's recognisable, hostile vocals, and more hate-filled diatribes. Do I get it? Fuck, yes!

"Call To Glory" begins with a sample of Elliot Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister during 1970s October Crisis. It phases out as a pounding, deep Bass kicks in, and the main melody begins - it's a truly melodic, anthemic piece of synth, overlapping the drone-like bass. If anyone change is noticeable, it's that FGFC820 have got even more melodic. Rexx's vocals are more relevant now as they work in great contrast with the melody and pounding bass, and Dräcos' backing vocals seem to be infused with more hatred than ever before. Interestingly, there's elements of Hardstyle in this track - it may be a case of 'blink and you miss it' to some, but the New York duo have clearly found a new sound, and believe me, it's outstanding.

"Insurrection" may be available in various mixes on the DefCon2 EP, but this album version, like "Call To Glory" before it is laden with Hardstyle-esque melodies, a vocal combination that works too well, and what I consider to be the element that truly puts FGFC820 ahead of their peers - the strong, heartfelt lyrics. "Insurrection" features the following verse :

"This is a plea for insurrection
This is an urgent call-to-arms
This is all for your protection
This is to keep you safe from harm
In every field there blooms a landmine
In every silo crops of steel
We sow the seeds like founding fathers
Till the soil with our heels"

It's less violent than some of their lyrics, but the passage really sits home with me and could perhaps be served as an introduction to new recruits, should any ask for an example.

"Legion" may suggest either an army, whether it be militant or just referring to the fans of the group, it could also be a play on words to the famous 'Anonymous' organisation, but it's the best track on this album. "Let's toast the future with a Shotgun Blast" - typically FGFC820 again, but the build up to the chorus on here, then the chorus itself are just so catchy - war is never meant to be attractive, fun, or even necessary, so by making songs rejecting it into something so memorable, there's every hope yet that someone out there will get the message and take their finger off the button.
The Drum work on "Legion" is vicious, and throughout this album, the production is textbook, ironically like soldiers coming into the army from an endless construction line - the machine roars on, but Rexx and Dräcos are the ones disassembling the motor.

With each release, the "Resolution" series of tracks act as interludes, and provide a chance for the duo to show off their musical skills, instrumentally. Resolutions 10, 11, and 12 are on the register for Homeland Insecurity, and "Resolution 10" in particular reminds me of some of the latest "Die Sektor" work - it's expertly crafted and is a brilliant exercise in discipline - the bass is very regimented, and the electronics that litter the track are hectic and frenzied.

"Revolt Resist" is a personal favourite as well, it uses samples to their maximum effect, and as I've always said, you can consider the duo a true 'utility' act. They've got songs (sometimes entire releases) dedicated to whatever kind of Industrial you're after, and with "Revolt Resist", we've got finely tuned, extremely danceable Harsh EBM. It's so melodic that it could make me punch the air, and with lyrics such as:
"You hold salvation in the palm of your hand, will you seize it? Will you take a stand?", the rallying appeal that this release has can surely only be lost on the numb.

A track by track for this album could prove to be too daunting for most readers, so without spoiling too much, if you haven't already decided to give this a purchase, I strongly recommend "Sound & Fury", "Doctrine" and the beautiful "Lost"as other pace-setters.If that isn't enough, "Relapse" features Dräcos playing Guitar on it, really cementing the evolution.

For those who want to get the 2CD edition, which I strongly recommend, it comes with a host of remixes, among the most notable are the reintepretation of "Doctrine" by the legendary Kevorkian Death Cycle, "Legion" by the returning Aslan Faction and Panic Lift's version of "Relapse". Considering the second disc also features acts such as Grendel, iVardensphere, Vigilante and Leaether Strip, there's little reason not to pay the excess.

For those inclined, this is also available in a 99 copies only box set with a whole heap of merchandise. I've ordered mine already.

As Rexx and Dräcos say on "Doctrine":

"Listen closely to my words
And I will show you how
There are seven steps to manhood
And I'll teach them to you now".

Message received. This is the best work FGFC820 have put out yet, and it is easily going to be an album to look back on at the end of the year and smile, whether with derision, cynicism, or fondness - for all bands entering into a political debate through music, this is the work with which all others should be measured. Jun 24 2012