Twenty-four-year-old Oliver Lieb truly represents the future of electronic music. Under the name Spicelab, the German musician has created “Lost In Spice,” a collection of long, instrumental electronic tracks that don’t really fit into an existing genre. The songs have definite elements of ambient, but there is also heavier, more industrial-like sonic experimentation. Most importantly, … Read more
Since they emerged in 1987, the Stereo MC’s have proved to be masters at fusing together a variety of styles of dance music. On their latest LP, Connected, the Stereo MC’s take this even further by getting away from using breaks from other people’s music and using more live instruments. Like groups such as Massive … Read more
When 808 State toured America in 1991, techno and rave music was still very much underground here and the group’s shows provided many people with an introduction to the music. But when the group returned this spring, headlining a package tour with Meat Beat Manifesto and Supreme Love Gods, it was a different situation entirely. … Read more
Sunscreem have become known as one of the strongest live dance acts, thanks to the heavy gigging they’ve done around their native England. But this past summer, they put their performance skills to the test by doing four American dates with New Order. It’s a big jump from clubs to large seated venues, but Sunscreem … Read more
Of the current crop of techno/rave bands, Britain’s Orbital are by far one of the most unique sounding. The group creates a slowed down, often ambient dance sound that comes as a welcome change from all the hardcore that has dominated the rave scene. Orbital also have a unique approach to live performances. Rather than … Read more
By taking chances and pushing the existing technology to the limits, New Order proved to be pioneers of combining rock and electronic music. And unlike many bands of that era, New Order have been able to progress rather than burn out. The group has always managed to stay in touch with the dance music scene … Read more
In 1992, as I was starting up Chaos Control as a hypercard-based zine, I met Trent Reznor over the Prodigy online service. The Nine Inch Nails “Broken” EP had recently come out, and he was in the studio working on “The Downward Spiral.” Naturally, I asked him if I could interview him for my new … Read more
When the Breeders released their first album, “Pod,” in 1990, the project was essentially a side project for then Pixies bassist Kim Deal and Throwing Muses guitarist Tanya Donelly. But now that the Pixies have disbanded and Donelly has moved on to her own group, Belly, The Breeders have evolved into a full-time band for … Read more
Being picked up by a major label may mean more money, support, and exposure, but in some cases it can also lead to less fun. In Cop Shoot Cop’s case, their first tour after being signed has proved to be disappointing in terms of unexpected incidents that will turn into good stories to tell people … Read more
Back in the early 80’s, David J was part of Bauhaus, one of the most influential bands of that era. Along with such other groups as the Cure and Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus helped provoke a generation of teenagers to wear black and take pride in being depressed. But David, who’s full name is David … Read more