Martin Rev, as one half of Suicide, provides intense sonic textures and electronic drones that perfectly match vocalist Alan Vega’s primal snarls and grunts. Presented here are eleven tracks of Rev’s solo work, without Vega. His first solo album, it was recorded in 1980 and released on Lust/Unlust records. Martin Rev’s work is pioneering and influenced many successful groups, like OMD & Depeche Mode. Suicide are to New York what Kraftwerk is to German music, however they were never given the shelter of chart success. While their counterparts have achieved some acclaim (Stooges, Cabaret Voltaire, Velvet Underground, Human League), Vega & Rev’s music remains in the street.
Rev doesn’t stray from his musical roots. The sound of the city is embedded in his craft. The influence of New York’s street culture can be heard through Rev’s primitive structures. Echoes of Doo Wop harmony, dance music and the sounds of the subway are all there, repetitively blaring through a distorted speaker. It is a powerful sound, changing from a reassuringly calm melody to a frightening outburst of fuzz and drone. Lots of delay effects and buzz. Heavy. It reminds me of how big cities can make you feel – like a king one day and a crud the next. If you like the Suicide sound, you’ll like this too
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