Description
Pigface – A New High In Low – Compact Disc
Pigface’s A New High in Low, released in 1997, is a double album that captures the essence of the industrial supergroup’s experimental and boundary-pushing ethos. Pigface, a project led by drummer and producer Martin Atkins (formerly of Public Image Ltd and Ministry), has always been known for its revolving-door lineup, featuring a dynamic roster of collaborators from across the industrial, punk, and alternative music spectrums. A New High in Low is a sprawling, ambitious release that reflects the collective’s commitment to creating music that is as unpredictable as it is uncompromising. Across its two discs, the album veers between abrasive industrial rock, experimental noise, dub-inspired grooves, and atmospheric, contemplative soundscapes.
The album features contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Genesis P-Orridge (Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV), Chris Connelly (Revolting Cocks, Ministry), Lydia Lunch (No Wave pioneer), Kristeen Young, and other notable figures from the underground music scene. This eclectic mix of voices and influences gives A New High in Low its multifaceted character, with each track offering a unique sonic experience. While Pigface has always embraced chaos and collaboration, this album represents one of their most ambitious undertakings, blending disparate musical styles into a cohesive yet unpredictable whole.
A New High in Low spans an impressive range of genres and moods, defying easy categorization. The album opens with ‘Empathy,’ a dense, brooding track that sets the tone with its heavy beats and layered textures. This is followed by ‘Nutopia,’ which incorporates dub-inspired rhythms into its industrial framework, showcasing Pigface’s ability to blend seemingly incongruous elements. Tracks like ‘Disconnect’ and ‘Suck’ are more aggressive, driven by distorted guitars and pulsating basslines, while ‘Closer to Heaven’ and ‘Think’ offer a softer, more melodic counterpoint, revealing the band’s ability to create moments of introspection amidst the chaos.
The album explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and emotional turmoil, reflecting the fragmented and often chaotic nature of modern existence. The wide range of vocal contributors allows for a variety of perspectives and emotional tones, from the confrontational intensity of tracks like ‘Insect/Suspect’ to the introspective melancholy of ‘Seven Words.’ Genesis P-Orridge’s contributions bring a surreal and poetic edge to the proceedings, while Lydia Lunch’s vocals add a raw, visceral quality to the tracks she appears on. This diversity of voices enhances the album’s dynamic nature, ensuring that no two tracks feel alike.
The second disc of A New High in Low continues to push boundaries, featuring tracks like ‘Warsaw,’ which combines haunting atmospheres with relentless industrial beats, and ‘Nutopia Dub,’ a reimagining of the earlier track that leans heavily into dub and ambient influences. ‘Cutting Face’ and ‘Lower’ explore darker, more experimental territory, while ‘Kiss King’ and ‘New Black Pope’ delve into surreal, almost cinematic soundscapes. The album closes with ‘Steamroller,’ a relentless, seven-minute industrial assault, and ‘Don’t Burn,’ a haunting and introspective finale that leaves a lasting impression.
Critics and fans alike have praised A New High in Low for its adventurous scope and fearless experimentation. While the album’s sprawling length and eclectic nature may have alienated some listeners, those who embraced Pigface’s commitment to pushing boundaries found it to be a rich and rewarding experience. Tracks like ‘Empathy,’ ‘Disconnect,’ and ‘Nutopia’ have since become fan favorites, exemplifying the group’s ability to combine raw power with intricate, layered production.
A New High in Low has come to be regarded as a highlight in Pigface’s discography and a significant entry in the industrial genre. Its sprawling, ambitious nature captures the essence of Pigface as a collective—one that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the refusal to be confined by traditional musical boundaries. The album’s wide range of styles and the caliber of its contributors make it an essential listen for fans of industrial and experimental music.
For those seeking an immersive and unpredictable sonic journey, A New High in Low offers a bold and unforgettable experience. It is an album that challenges, provokes, and ultimately rewards listeners willing to embrace its chaotic brilliance. More than two decades after its release, it stands as a testament to Pigface’s unique vision and enduring influence in the world of underground music.
Brand new, never played but not still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Invisible Records
UK Import
Double CD Set
Track Listing
DISC 1
1. Radio Bagpipe
2. Kiss King (High High High)
3. Burundi
4. Bring Unto Me
5. More
6. Nutopia
7. Methylated: Breathalised / Crystalised / Synthesised / Immortalised
8. Aboriginal
9. Metal Tangerine
10. First Taken Third Found
11. Warzone
12. You Know/You Know/You Know
DISC 2
1. Howler: An English Breakfast, The – (Chapter 1, Part 1)
2. Train
3. Howler: An English Breakfast, The – (Chapter 1, Part 2)
