Immune System- Live in Hyperborea

ARTIST: Immune System
ALBUM: Live in Hyperborea
LABEL: The Uberrecording Group
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 3-17-08

The latest from UK's Immune System is a short but tasty live EP emphasizing the grittier, dirtier side of the band's industrial rock. While the recording quality leaves something to be desired, it's clear from the enthusiastic cheering that the crowd is into it, and the selection of songs that made it onto the CD are a perfect representation of Immune System's sound, inspired by the hard but groovy rhythms of early Wax Trax! Bands like Revolting Cocks and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult. "Devil Stomp" launches things with angry vocals, snappy drumbeats, and the feedback attack of two electric guitars, and "Nothing Is True" takes that aggression and speeds it up to thrash metal tempo, with the occasional keyboard beep added for color. "Weltanschauung," the title track from Immune System's previous release, is slower and funkier but still drenched in feedback, and the throbbing rhythm and poetic spoken vocals on "Bornless One" are reminiscent of nothing so much as early Pigface, back when they were more of an all-star jam session rather than an endless parade of guest musicians. Despite its electronic bass line, "True Will" moves into noise rock territory with its overdriven guitar onslaught and psychedelically panning vocals in the vein of Butthole Surfers' Gibby Haynes, and the brilliant "Cockstride" finishes things off with a more melodic but cynical approach to vocals and a hard-hitting guitar riff juxtaposed with melancholy synth loops. This isn't the world's greatest live recording, but it clearly conveys Immune System's passion for performance, not to mention the equally passionate response from their audience. Pick this up and pray Immune System plays your town sooner rather than later.

Give your immune system an industrial strength boost on MySpace at www.myspace.com/immunesystem.