Search - Contagion :: Contaminant Pcb

A must-have classic from the heyday of Industrial Dance

J. Derek Reardon | KC, MO, USA | 02/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released originally in 1992, Contagion's release Contaminant PCB is the brilliant first release of this prolific group. However you can't tell how prolific by looking at their release listings, which currently (Mar. 2000) only includes this release and a few out-of-print singles. For classification, this group falls within the Industrial Dance genre, and it is one of the better albums in that genre, especially in the areas of orchestration, lyrics, message, and vocal styling. Fast-paced, deep, layered orchestrations combined with raspy (yet understandable), violent, poignant lyrics and vocals make this an easy favorite for hard core Industrial fans and clubbers alike. The album features 8 original songs and remixes of five of those songs.The release starts off on a strong note with "We Believe" with driving beats and poignant, somewhat religious lyrics ("It's my life it's my religion / It's my right to my decision"). The God Mix isn't very different from the original. It has been dubbed and produced down, and it doesn't use the original elements as well, however there is some good guitar work."Ingest" is a strong follow-up, and has one of most effective uses of sampling I've heard as a conclusion ("Who told you to think! "). The Infectious Re-Mix of this song is somewhat dubbed down, but it does pull up that strong violent bass line some. However, it is missing the concluding sample I referenced, making the song end with a whimper, not a blast in the face like the original."Who Are You" uses sampling equally as well, combined with driving bass and rhythms that get you moving. The Intestant Mix sounds very similar in construction, however it features a rougher, less produced edge, more use of effective, violent samples in place of the vocals, and additional guitar and keyboard work. I actually prefer the mix over the original."Scratch" slows down in BPM, but not in intensity. The vocals and beat will get you thrashing and yelling along. The Twitch Re-Mix has been produced further, pushing back the vocals, but it features some additional orchestration that make it more club and body-slammin' friendly, reminiscent of Prayer Tower. [This song was released as a single, and contained a bonus 12" Extended Edit of the song.]"Fight!" seems to be an Industrial answer to Depeche Mode's "People Are People." The orchestration is shallower than the other songs, and it just doesn't grab you and suck you in as much as the other songs. However, the "Fight" samples from the movie The Abyss are really interesting. There is no remix of this song."Aggress" is driving, fast-faced, and is great for head banging. However, the refrain "[4-letter-explicative] you" is not creative or inspired, unless you're just in a REALLY bad mood. I found little difference between the Suicide Mix and the original."Turn of the Screw" is my favorite song, and I was disappointed that it did not get a remix version when it was so crying out for one (though it was released as a rare DJ's only remix 12"). The refrain, "It's not your fault no more that I can't get along," is poignant and really great to yell along to. The lyrics and religious symbolism are handled in a thought-provoking manner.The final song, "Contagion Seven," is an airy, ephemeral instrumental piece with a hard edge (thanks to manipulated samples). While interesting, it doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the release. Since this was new to the CD (the original 1992 tape doesn't have it), it was perhaps added as a personal statement by Keith Arem.For those interested in Contagion, it's important to realize that the group has had a wider influence than simply this one CD. They have appeared on several movie soundtracks (such as The Living End which featured many of these songs, and Skinner, which had many unreleased songs) as well as produced many songs and sound bites for video games. Also, watch for a new full length Contagion CD (Infectant) to appear in late April 2000. If you need something to pop in after a hard day at work or school, or if traffic is just lousy, this is the CD you need to put in. Let the music take control, move you, get you yelling along, and allow you to "release the pressure that builds within." A classic and must have for Industrial fans. While a strong 4 on its own, my associations with band member Keith Arem via e-mail as well as personal experiences with this CD earn it a 5 star rating."

One of the best Industrial releases

S. Benson | Planet Earth | 10/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every now and then you will find a release that just blows you away, they are far and few between but this is one of those gems. This is on of my top ten favorite industrial releases ever made. Contagion has a somewhat Ministry Twitch era feel to them, but a bit harder without losing any of the electronics.As a DJ there is no excuse if you don't own this CD!Dance floor hits include:
Scratch (great video as well)
We Believe
Ingest (My personal favorite)
Turn of the Screw
FightAggressAs both a industrial music fan and a DJ I highly recommend you own this CD!"

Classic

S. Benson | 11/25/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Classic Industrial, these guys were ahead of the times"