Cologne-based post-punk quartet TV Cult return with their second album `Industry` which guitarist Martin Hughes has shared “The title, Industry, carries a dual significance. On the one hand, it conjures imagery of machinery, systems, and capitalist decay—themes that course through the record like steel cables—yet it also reflects the sheer labour that went into the album’s creation.”
`Communion` leads us in and it’s a song that lashes out at the hypocrisy of conservative politics claiming moral high ground while trafficking in cruelty. It takes aim at the betrayal, hypocrisy and lies rooted in organised religion and wider Western belief systems. The title, more likely a metaphor in that it signifies the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, with the bread representing his broken body and the wine his shed blood, which established a new covenant and brings the forgiveness of sins. It has a restrained aggression along with a kind of remoteness or alienation sprinkled throughout. There was a Cure like musicality about `Overpressure` although it tackles a challenging subject and began life after learning about blast overpressure injuries in Gazan children caused by the use of 500lb bombs. It then developed into something that expresses pure anger and disgust at the treatment of all children in war zones according to the band.
`Surrender` has an engaging bassline as well as a synth under beat which allows the almost despondent vocals to flow atop which appear to be about abandonment and capitulation of what i`m not sure. The accompanying rhythmically pounding music reflects the lyricism of `Primary Crusher` which may be a reflection on the pressing nature of life`s daily monotonous grind.
`Crack the Whip` is a condemnation of the European leadership’s moral failure and repressive control. A track that has an alluring hypnotic ambience about it. The reflective `Moonflower` seems to be a view on immigration. Moonflowers serve as a reminder that beauty and growth can emerge even from difficult circumstances but here it hints at a moonflower wilting. A simple, subtle, and thought provoking perspective.
The title `Gavage` signifies the administration of food or drugs by force, especially to an animal, typically through a tube leading down the throat to the stomach and here it appears to be a veiled opinion on Governmental control of the masses. The track itself races along with vocals that are forcefully shared above. A pounding magnetic drum beat drives `Pyramids` along with its lyrical content that could be interpreted as appearing to be an allegory of death.
There`s almost a tribal feel to `Whirlwind` which physically and metaphorically is something that involves many quickly changing events or feelings. An overwhelming divine presence, powerful judgment, or overwhelming chaos possibly as the minimal lyrics are open to your own explanation and analysis. The album concludes with `Symbols of Death` which has a delightful detachment or alienation about it. It has an understated intensity and feels emotionally cathartic at times.
Marco Natale, Martin Hughes, Florian Stadtfeld, and Michael Zeininger who make up TV CULT have delivered an album that is not only pleasing musically but encourages or attempts to empower the listener to maybe reflect on how society is at present with a view to maybe improving our immediate situation with a degree of humanity. I`m sure you`ll draw your own conclusions.
Rating 8.5/10
