Before the majority of industrial acts added guitars and became the heavy metal of the 1990s, Nitzer Ebb produced hard-hitting electronic music with the Teutonic bent and abrasive edge of early industrial music, plus the vocal chanting and beat-heavy flavor of the late-'80s alternative and Balearic dance scene. Formed in Chelmsford, Essex, in 1982 by vocalist Douglas McCarthy, drummer Bon Harris, and keyboard player David Gooday, the group began experimenting with synthesizers and drum pads, fusing their affinity for dark goth and punk rock with the emerging technology. After several popular shows around London during 1984, PWL producer Phil Harding began working with Nitzer Ebb and recorded their first single, "Isn't It Funny How Your Body Works," which appeared on the band's Power of Voice Communications label in 1985. Three more singles followed during 1985-1986 before Nitzer Ebb signed to Mute in late 1986; the first Mute recordings were the singles "Murderous" and "Let Your Body Learn" in early 1987, just before the release of their debut album, That Total Age. After the single "Join in the Chant" was remixed by producer Flood (Nick Cave, Erasure), it became one of the crucial tracks in the growing alternative/Balearic dance scene, played out alongside Chicago house, Detroit techno, and Northern soul.
Nitzer Ebb @ Kinetik last year:
Kill Memory Crash (FRONT allies)
The Glide
Polyfuse (a FRONT ally)
and DJ Taco Punch open
To get a feel for Nitzer Ebb, check out this killer Black Strobe remix
Nitzer Ebb-Getting Closer (Black Strobe EBM Homage)
...and, just for fun, I'm posting the George Clinton remix of "Fun to Be Had". This is a great example of how electro and hip-hop had a massive influence on industrial music. If you like what you hear, please go on our Amazon store and purchase the artist's album. Your dollars will go to support the music you love, and keep your favorite artists making music.
Nitzer Ebb- Fun to Be Had (George Clinton Long Mix)
I agree, Adam. Too many people forget that industrial was played alongside house music and alternative dance as well as balearic. The dance scene in Chicago has forgotten its roots and continues to try to be like LA and New York instead of embracing a sound that fits its environment.
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