- Through the recent EBM and industrial revival, Glaswegian label Contort Yourself have found their own path. Delivering a slice of past, present and future, each of their records has sandwiched obscure '80s reissues between new-school antics from vintage enthusiasts like Helena Hauff, Broken English Club and Perseus Traxx. Few Tricks For Nervous Dealmakers takes a similar trip—through contemporary and 1986 Holland, to Chicago and Liverpool—that's no less enjoyable for its winding route.
Contort Yourself also nudges lesser-known projects into the ring, like Dutch producer Parrish Smith, who resurfaces here as Volition Immanent. In the vein of Dave Foster and Richard Oddie's surly electronics collaboration, O/H, Volition Immanent embodies the spirit of old, cantankerous punk brought screaming into present day. With Mark Van De Maat snarling on the mic and Smith cranking out the jangled, un-oiled beats, "Swarm Behaviour" fits perfectly between the EP's two reissues.
"Maan Zal Zijn," by Dutch industrial veterans Zombies Under Stress, is a minimal track that purrs with distortion. Edwin Van Eck's gruff moans are barely discernible over the buzz of machines. "In Onze Tijd" is a bit more jagged and agitated. It mirrors our present-day industrial devotees, who go for brutalist interpretations more often than not. L.I.E.S. affiliate Svengalisghost uses the drowsy side of Zombies Under Stress to his advantage, turning in a beefed-up remix full of druggy loops and smooth edges. Mark Forshaw's aggressive and appropriately retro "Submission" concludes the package at a jacked-up pace.
TracklistA1 Volition Immanent - Swarm Behaviour
A2 Zombies Under Stress - Maan Zal Zijn
A3 Zombies Under Stress - In Onze Tijd
B1 Zombies Under Stress - Maan Zal Zijn (Svengalisghost Remix)
B2 Mark Forshaw - Submission