Transmisia - Mincing Machine FLAC

I for one had never heard of these before receiving this album, and am puzzled as to why as they are clearly good enough to fit into the higher echelons of this scene. The problem is perhaps that they cross over into New Wave territory and folk cannot take such a hybrid - strange. This is one of the most vital albums I have heard in ages, full of fire and stilleto-sharp sounds. It is clearly rooted in Punk / Rock but sound as if they push the limits of their music. They have apparently supported such people as LAIBACH (they do come from the same part of the world), BORGHESIA, CHRISTIAN DEATH, LEGENDARY PINK DOTS, GODFLESH & ELEVENTH DREAM DAY, obviously retaining their own identity.
Side one opens with “Frank”, which opens slowly, in a shattered structure while the vocalist & a muffled ‘other’ voice distorted, as in SKINNY PUPPY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY etc.) bid enter the dense, thundering drums / guitar / bass which sounds like Gothic Rock at full speed. “Unkind Love” comes across a little like a cross between early COCTEAUS and FRONT 242 on a toothy rock trip. Having said which, this hardly describes the adrenalin-pumping intensity of this music. There should be a health warning with these to warn us older folk we rry he at risk from this powerful noise. “Skinny Goose” is a version of their first 7” single and is again not unlike the COCTEAU TWINS during those early, powerful days (if you have ever heard the firebrand “Rococo”. I’d compare it to being a vocal version of that!). “U Sebi Do Kaaja” is a fairly straight Rock number which would easily send an audience into a berzerker frenzy of flailing limbs. “Sonic Depression” bludgeons in at a similar crazy tempo which hits you like enforced seppuku with a blunted brick. Side one draws to a close with “Noise” which changes down gear a little, allowing a little more experimentation, some more subtlety, yet still retaining a sense of immense power.

Side two opens with “(Homosexual) Party" again picking up tempo to create an incandescent piece of music which says ‘fuck safety, fuck convention' and leaps blind into the Void. “In-Joy My Ass" is a slightly slower (or more restrained) track with a darker, more dramatic feel to it, as moody as anything by the DEAD KENNEDYS, as dense as SKINNY PUPPY, as vital as NINE INCH NAILS. “Face Of Motherfucker” follows pretty much in the same tempo, the same vein. “Perfect Creation” has an intro which right have pleased BAUHAUS on their first LP. It settles down into another medium-fast-paced piece with the vocalist shouting and crying his angst / anger at all who listen. “Oppression” concludes the album, opening similar to the first track on side one, turning into something akin to “Body To Body” played by a VOODOO MUZAK-influenced group.

A truly powerful debut album. I don’t know what the future may hold for them, but they might carve a successful little niche in the UK lndie charts with material like this. I hope to get a slice for you to hear by #3!

Originally reviewed for Soft Watch.