Sutcliffe Jugend — Offal

British power electronics legends Sutcliffe Jugend have been busy as of late, with three releases (so far!) in 2016. Returning to Cold Spring again, the duo have released Offal, a churning, pulsing, looping swarm of electronic fury. Consisting of four long tracks spanning 55 minutes, this release shows how Sutcliffe Jugend continues to change their sound and challenge listeners the world over.

Opening with thick layers of synth drone, "Cleave" starts the album out on strong footing. Choosing dissonance over harshness, each layer is allowed to weave and mingle while still being audible on its own. This possessed breeze of sound is a great base for Kevin Tompkins' rough, shouted delivery. Well placed in the mix, the vocals are really clear and help the listener to focus on not only what's being said, but how it's being delivered. Kevin's telltale screams are present as well, serving as a reminder that, despite the somewhat hypnotic drones, Sutcliffe Jugend is still a strong presence. If "Cleave" could be described as a cold, synthy wind, "Howl" would be the rising and falling sea that was stirred up by it. Undulating electronics cascade toward the listener bringing him closer into the source before an angry delivery smashes back. Higher feedbacky squalls reinforce the storm at hand proving that this sea of energy isn't safe. Despite its differences from the opener, "Howl" is equally as hypnotic, and one can't help but be drawn in all the way until the waves dissipate on the shore. Like a pulsing, shrill, horror movie score, "Slice" feels like an industrial version of the shower scene in Psycho.  Its rhythmic loops form the base for a very non-traditional Sutcliffe Jugend cadence. Kevin's delivery and pacing make "Slice" feel like an honest to goodness rock song. While that may be a stretch, this is a very interesting and welcome approach. A percolating groove of synthy arpeggio plays over a hive-like drone in "Crawl." Driving synth accents help to add color to the head nodding, consuming pulse. Not to be outdone by the swirling electronics, Kevin's vocals once again come to the for and add welcome commentary. Punctuated by rising noise and a spacey, reverb laden ending, "Crawl" brings Offal to a close on a very different and interesting note.

Never afraid to try new things, Sutcliffe Jugend's Offal is a solid work of cold industrial. Very well recorded, the four tracks presented all have their own feel while playing very well against each other. The layers on hand are inviting and rhythmic and Kevin's vocals sound excellent flowing with them. Offal is another solid release for both Sutcliffe Jugend and Cold Spring Records.