Controlled Bleeding — Distress Signals I

Now legendary noise/industrial outfit, Controlled Bleeding, released their debut, Distress Signals I, on Broken Flag in 1984. Having never been properly reissued on CD or vinyl, this tape debut became much sought after and very hard to find. Working with Paul Lemos, Artoffact reissued Distress Signals I, and also unearthed an interesting tidbit: this wasn't what was originally intended for Broken Flag. Lemos had a second version that has been unheard to this day. This version will also be released later by Artoffact.

Clocking in at just about an hour, Distress Signals I is a harsh, noisy release that starts off with running with both feet. "The Spitting Cell" crunches and grinds noisily forward in feedback drenched bliss. The aggression to the vocal cadence seems ahead of its time when compared to the styling of modern power electronics. Harsh, crunchy, low, and rough, "The Spitting Cell" captures a young Controlled Bleeding's essence in all its noisy glory. Continuing this brash assault comes "A Human Intervention." Light drum work helps to spread the density a bit, and singing samples help to break it up even further. This shift towards rough experimental showcases more of Controlled Bleeding's skill at crafting engaging, noisy art. The layers involved take on lives of their own and throb at different paces to deepen the mix. Spreading further, "A Human Intervention" turns into a subtly creepy bit of delayed drums and screams. Moving toward higher pitches over low oscillations, "The Heretic and the Christs of Violence" lulls the listener into a false sense of security before ramping the noise back up for the impending pummeling. "Heretic" changes gears a few times throughout and feels more like a few tracks cut together instead of just one. This changing of styles is pretty indicative of Controlled Bleeding's career and proclivity to change genres. A quick hit of lo fit rumble and propulsive pulsing, "Code of Honour" makes the most of its two minute run time before breaking into a recording of what sounds like Paul Lemos and his girlfriend fighting on "Only Obeyed Orders." Throbbing and pulsing more than previous tracks, "Only" sees Controlled Bleeding experiment further with their sound. Working more drums into the mix, CB manages to get heads nodding in a noisy atmosphere. Although a fun track, this is the only one on here that really feels it's ~18 minute run time.

Finally available to the masses, Artoffact's reissue of Controlled Bleeding's Distress Signals I is a great testament to these pioneer's vanguard approach to noise, industrial, and power electronics. With a second, alternative version promised, fans of Controlled Bleeding and noise in general are in luck. One can only assume that Distress Signals II will be equally as interesting and inspiring as the first.