The Pain Machinery - Auto Surveillance

We like Nitzer Ebb, we reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally like Belief. This is what I take away from The Pain Machinery's latest. I love the Ebb, too. In particular, the remixes on the Belief era singles are definitive. This band must have a poster of Flood in their studio with the words 'force is machine' etched all over the walls. But while I do enjoy Belief, I don't need more than one album of it. Someone ought to explain that to this band. They are part of a movement which instead of breaking boundaries or new ground with their work, simply wallow in what was; easier to cover ground that is familiar. Guaranteed niche also... yesterday is always safer when today is here. This is retro work of the highest order, it's no surprise Puppy's favorite emulators Necro Facility supply a mix, if anyone knows what to do to achieve a sound someone else created, it would be this pair.

The vocals are pure Douglas McCarthy, the double tracked snarls and drawls will make any recent fan of Nitzer Ebb more than happy. At best, this thing is a very guilty pleasure to me. The one mix that actually deviates from what you'd expect is supplied by the legendary Weathermen. It makes sense, they've been around long enough not to subscribe to this nauseating trend of musical regurgitation so prevalent nowadays. Oh yeah, Severe Illusion once more illustrate with their contribution why I will never buy anything they release. A couple of loops and some distorted drums do not a remix make. I'm sure this will do well in any club it is played in but wow, I remember when EBM was not the formulaic roadkill it has devolved into.

But it doesn't surprise me, there's a whole new generation of kids who weren't around when Nitzer Ebb and 242 did their definitive works, so this album will supply the facade of relevancy they no doubt crave. Tuck in, and don't forget to wear those boots laced all the way up... I can almost see the gleeful stomping going on from my screen even now. 2011? Says who? Mar 22 2011