When a Suicide song kicked off during the recent Civil War film it seemed a signal that the work of the late Alan Vega was as vital as ever. And while the solo records Alan Vega put out during his lifetime didn't get the attention his material with partner Martin Rev as Suicide got (and continues to get), they were certainly albums of a similar bent. That streak continues with yet another posthumous Alan Vega LP.
Curated, produced and mixed by longtime creative ally and solo artist, Liz Lamere and collaborator, musician and producer Jared Artaud (The Vacant Lots), Insurrection stands impressively as a seminal Alan Vega work, one which he would doubtless have been proud to release had he been around to do so. These recordings, dating from the late Nineties, are further proof that Alan's art was unique and nearly impossible to replicate, though many keep trying. This is bracing stuff, with a chilly force that's nearly palpable in spots. Lead single "Cynanide Soul" whirrs and churns with the vocals buried deep in the mix. It's an audacious piece, one which retains the minimalism of the best Suicide recordings while layering on elements of noise rock. "Murder One" is a growl in a whirlwind, the noises ebbing and flowing atop the rhythmic chaos, while the stark "Genocide" finds Vega warbling over what sounds like a broken engine and drill which someone left running in the night. Elsewhere, the more obviously confrontational "Fireballer Fever" throbs with malice before waves of feedback and distortion swamp proceedings. That one, and the more straightforward, though no less malevolent "Invasion", are highlights here.
Brutal and unflinching, Alan Vega stared into the void and produced Art. There's something precise and pure about his output, some quality which renders it as rarefied as the best Joy Division singles. There's not a lot here that's what I'd call pleasureable, but a listener may be surprised at the odd lopsided melodies which appear out of the maelstrom. "Chains", to use one example, is borderline catchy almost in spite of itself, the drum machine keeping this one almost spry behind Vega's howls. Insurrection is really unlike anything else I've heard lately and I remain sort of surprised at how everything Alan Vega touched seemed to retain this weird dark power that few others can match. Even after his death, no one else can touch this.
Insurrection by Alan Vega is out now via In The Red Records.
[Photo: Adrian Boot]