Photography – Music – Words – Craft
Quis custodiet Ipsos custodes?
As I’m about to upgrade my computer I thought I’d put some hoarded material online. Rough and ready (probably). Five to start with and many more to come.
Testing a new audio player2022
So, back in the early 90s I was part of an organisation setting up tours and concerts in Italy and Rome. Some of your favourite industrial and EBM bands passed through. Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen… Which band am I speaking about today?
Their singer stayed in a hotel with one star more than the rest of the band members – as per the contract…
The rider included an ice-making machine to be available in the band’s changing rooms at all times. Failure to provide one would see the concert cancelled. It wasn’t easy but we found one – they didn’t use it. I suspect it was a “bowl of M&Ms with brown ones removed” moment. Still, it was a bit annoying.
Nothing quite like it, though back in the day I rather liked Wraith, a more industrial goth version and less punk. There were times back at the start of the 90s when Slimelight would start to get heavy at 4 in the morning and I’d be weighing up a nightbus home. Wraith on the other hand had enough to keep me interested until sun up and a bleary tube train home.
Those who follow, live on their knees,
Those who lead will surely fall.
So put your shoulder to the wheel
And feel your back against the wall.
So feel the rain and walk this city
Human waste, feel its pity
I dreamt of blue in darkened skies
Ignored the truth and closed my eyes
They said they’d help you and they lied
Spies in the wires, their disguise
Red saliva down my spine
I smiled so hard I lost my mind
This is the end. Message sent.
The news is leaking from the tv set
No celebration, salvation
Self inflicted isolation.
The life I made was to unwind
A melting wave drives me blind
Someone else has drawn the line
All I need is another time
I chose honour and dreamt of blue
Just one duty till I’m through
Cry havoc and make me move
Shed blood, the time is due.
This is the end. Message sent.
The news is leaking from the tv set
No celebration, salvation
Self inflicted isolation.
Lyrics by Paul Toohill
Life support is falling
Ground control isn’t calling
Time is passing slowing down
Oxygen is running out
Sirens sound a warning
So clear this morning
Batteries about to die
So blue the sky
Flying high no way down
The stars my crown
My life machine
My glory obscene
All I see is open sky
All I need is why
Diagnosis deception
It screams rejection
My lights they flicker
Descent is quicker
Destiny is coming down
No chance to turn around
Controls no response
See me just once
White light in my face
Impact my embrace
Flashing light
Heart beat getting faster
Cold fear is my master
Cold sweat kills my time
All my readings flatline
Flatline!
Lyrics by Paul Toohill
Adi Newton and Maurizio Martinucci (aka TeZ) of Clock DVA guest in a Q&A at Rough Trade with host David Stubbs.
Here is my latest album – three longform soundscapes to accompany moments of mistrust.
We all know a Chicken Head.
