The Calling Combine eerie melodic drones with relentless rhythmic pulsations for an unsettling yet captivating industrial experience
“The Calling” stands as a cornerstone within Throbbing Gristle’s expansive and often confrontational discography, encapsulating the essence of early industrial music with its chilling soundscapes and unsettling themes. Released in 1981 on their groundbreaking album “20 Jazz Funk Greats,” the track continues to resonate with listeners today, serving as both a sonic artifact of its time and a timeless testament to the power of experimental music.
Throbbing Gristle, formed in the late 1970s by Genesis P-Orridge, Peter Christopherson, Cosey Fanni Tutti, and Chris Carter, emerged from the avant-garde underground scene in London. Their music challenged conventional notions of melody, rhythm, and song structure, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as musique concrète, dadaism, and dystopian science fiction. The band aimed to provoke and disturb, using harsh electronic textures, unsettling vocal manipulations, and often provocative lyrical content to explore themes of social control, sexual transgression, and the darker aspects of human nature.
“The Calling” embodies these core principles, plunging listeners into a disconcerting sonic landscape characterized by:
- Eerie Melodic Drones: The track opens with a haunting synth drone that seems to emanate from some desolate industrial wasteland. This repetitive motif creates an unsettling atmosphere, evoking a sense of isolation and impending doom.
- Relentless Rhythmic Pulsations: Underneath the droning melody, a relentless percussive pulse drives the track forward. The rhythm is simple yet insistent, mimicking the mechanical heartbeat of a futuristic dystopia.
- Distorted Vocals: P-Orridge’s vocals are heavily processed and distorted, rendered almost unintelligible at times. This effect adds to the sense of unease, blurring the lines between human voice and inhuman soundscape.
The track’s lyrics, while fragmented and open to interpretation, hint at themes of societal manipulation and the search for individual identity in a dehumanizing world:
- “Listen to the calling… It tells you what to do…”
This line suggests a powerful force exerting control over individuals, compelling them to conform to predetermined paths.
- “…Lost souls searching… In a concrete tomb…” This imagery evokes a sense of entrapment and alienation within an oppressive urban environment.
While “The Calling” may not be for the faint of heart, it offers a captivating listening experience for those seeking music that pushes boundaries and challenges expectations. Its unsettling atmosphere, relentless rhythms, and cryptic lyrics invite listeners to delve into the darker recesses of human experience and contemplate the disturbing realities that lurk beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
The Historical Context: Industrial Music in the 1970s
Throbbing Gristle emerged during a period of significant cultural upheaval in the late 1970s. The post-punk movement was challenging established musical norms, while avant-garde artists were exploring new sonic territories. Industrial music arose from this fertile ground, embracing harsh sounds, unconventional song structures, and often provocative lyrical themes.
Key figures in the early development of industrial music included:
| Artist | Notable Albums/Tracks |
|---|---|
| Cabaret Voltaire | Three Mantras, “Nag Nag Nag” |
| SPK | Information Overload Unit, The Thighs |
| NON | Total Control |
These artists shared a common interest in exploring the intersection of art, technology, and social commentary. Their music often reflected anxieties about industrialization, consumerism, and the increasing influence of technology on human life.
Throbbing Gristle’s Legacy
Throbbing Gristle disbanded in 1981 but left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Their influence can be heard in a wide range of genres, from electronic music to metal to noise. Artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Coil, and Ministry cite Throbbing Gristle as a major inspiration.
The band reunited briefly in the early 2000s for a series of performances and recordings, but their original impact remains undeniable. “The Calling” stands as a testament to the power of industrial music to challenge conventions, provoke thought, and create truly unsettling yet captivating listening experiences.