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Front Line Assembly > Mindphaser
1992 Third Mind 2402-3, 12" 1992 Third Mind TM 2402 6 [UK]
Released on CDS and 12".
Tracklist:
01. Mindphaser 12" Version 6.33
02. Mindphaser Edit 4.30
03. Toxic 6.02
04. Mutilate 5.42
Credits:
All titles written by Bill Leeb & Rhys Fulber. Production & Programming: F.L.A. Engineering and additional production: Greg Reely. Assistant Engineers: Mike Landolt (mindphaser) & Brian Chanpong (Toxic, Mutilate). Programming facility: F.L.A. HQ. Recording studios: Little mountain Sound & Creation Studios, Vancouver B.C. Art & Design by Dave Coppenhall.
Review
Ah, Mindphaser. The namesake of this very website, as a single, holds a lot of history for me. Being the very first FLA release I've been motivated enough to buy, I'd thought I'd give you all a thorough review of this little release.
"Jesus... had days like this..."
The opening sample, coming from the very character that may have helped inspire the handle I use today, immediately puts you in the mood for a cybernetic head-trip. Bill's cold and processed voice, while quoting off Clock DVA, gives you a rather vivid description of the future-noir environment often depicted in most of the Sci-Fi films I've grown to know and love over the years. It was the video that drew me to this track this very detailed and unforgettable piece of visual candy telling us the story of our industrial heroes infiltrating some enemy base on a remote island gave me hope for the future of the music industry. I would later find out that the entire video was a skillfully constructed SAMPLE placing our boys on the film as if they were there, but hey, I never heard of Gunhed prior to this anyhow. Peterson's cyber-face plate stood out for me, and Bill achieved what I've wanted to do since childhood: steal a Mech!
In the year 1992, Mindphaser was the best possible antidote to us tired of the Grunge attack of the year. Industrial music had slowly been trickling out of the woodwork and into the mainstream, and while certain individuals were getting their Nine Inches of fame, one single preceding the album of the decade was slowly and quietly setting the standard for this genre of music. Mindphaser (and it's aural compadres, "Toxic" and "Mutilate"), while being classic FLA, had a refined tone and sense of skill that gave birth to what I call the Dependent sound, influencing bands like Covenant and etc to create their own brand of dance floor nihilism, a far contrast to the American Ministry/NIN style aggression coming out of the trailerparks and into the record stores. It's kinda funny, actually European noise acts influence Vancouverites to make their own, and with "Mindphaser" FLA came round full circle, returning the favour and paving the way for all of which you goth-klub kiddies round the world now dance to.
11 years later that song still holds a special spot in my books. Next time you're in a dance club hearing that fucking chanty Helium Vola garbage or VNV fucking nation again, please egg the DJ to dust off that old Mindphaser 12" and crank it.
1. Mindphaser 12" Version
Longer than album, back when FLA were releasing 12" "versions" that sounded more like "unabridged originals"... Iceolate and Provision were singles of similar approach. I hated the album edit of this song. Made me feel cheated when I bought the album.
2. Mindphaser Edited Version
I hated this even more. Like, why? Radio purposes, I spose. Back when they DID play this kinda stuff on the radio here I only heard the edit and album cut, save the 12" for special or dancefloor DJ broadcast purposes.
3. Toxic
Bill sounds like his head and spinal column had been pulled out, suspended in some lab and kept alive for scientific purposes. I can picture him twitching and telling us all of what he went thru..
4. Mutilate
This track should have been a single. Strong enough to stand out alone, I often find myself playing this in clubs when I'm in the mood for an FLA track that wasn't overplayed.. the chorus could have had more dynamic then the verse to make it kick some more ass... that's about it.
Reviewed by kAINE
Second Review
A classic Front Line Assembly single, from the album Tactical Neural Implant. This single is one of the most defining songs FLA has released to date. The song itself becoming a true industrial classic, its pulsing background rhythm and carefully constructed synch lines have forged a template style for many other artists to follow, emulate, and be inspired by. Possibly one of the greatest industrial releases, every track on this single is great and has proven the testing of time.
1. Mindphaser 12” Version
Exactly the same as the track on Tactical Neural Implant pulsing bass line, flawlessly executed synth melodies, the song doesn’t let up from start to end.
2. Mindphaser Edit
I’d have to say this is one of the best edits I think I’ve ever heard. The intro, outro, bridge and interludes have been removed, making the track beefier than the full version of the song. With a little over two minutes removed from the track, we’re left with mostly the verses and chorus segments, with a few samples strewn about, cutting the song down to its bare essentials, the driving force of the Mindphaser track itself.
3. Toxic
A great FLA b-side. Possibly a track that didn’t make it on to Tactical Neural Implant in the first place. Consisting of the usual FLA style drum / bass line, and backed by an ear catching melody, it probably would’ve been another hit if it was included in the album.
4. Mutilate
Yet another classic FLA B-side with full lyrical content backing up great musical direction. Listening to this track will have you tapping your feet or hands in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by imperialreign
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Last updated 2006-05-19 21:27:04 by: Micke.
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