Church of Industrial Music: Leæther Strip - Solitary Confinement

Claus Larsen is probably one of the most recognizable figures in industrial music, partly because he's been on the scene since 1988 or so, but also because he's quite prolific (and talented). I think it would also be more than fair to say that he's one of the most influential musicians in the genre. I see his mark all over electro-industrial stuff from the 90's onward. Beside a whole bunch of releases as Leæther Strip, there's also the other solo project Klutæ, as well as several collaborative projects, and more remix credits than I could list here. My first exposure was with "Antius" on the second edition of Cleopatra's Industrial Revolution compilation, and that track remains a favorite of mine. I actually don't remember if I got this album or Legacy of Hate and Lust first, but I generally prefer this album slightly, so it's getting the article.

I think Leæther Strip has a more consistent sound from release to release than many of the bands I've talked about here, though I wouldn't say Mr. Larsen comes anywhere near, say, AC/DC levels of sameness. I would also say that Leæther Strip has some of the best synth work out there, so don't take that first bit there as too much of a criticism. As with many older EBM/industrial and other electronic artists who started in the days before everyone could have a studio on their computer, there is a certain point in the back-catalog where the limits of technology start to show more. Although this album was recorded before the home studio revolution, I think this is still where things start to sound less dated for Leæther Strip. Not that I don't also dig the older stuff, but you probably know what I mean if you're a fan of anything electronic from before about the mid-90's.

This album, and most (all?) of Leæther Strip's catalog is available on bandcamp: https://leaetherstrip.bandcamp.com/

The opening track, "Mortal Thoughts", while good, also kind of goes against what I just said above, as it has a more dated sound than some other tracks here. However, "Strap Me Down" follows up with a smasher that almost wouldn't sound out of place on a release coming out today. "I Am Your Conscience" retains the energy, though I would say it goes back to sounding a little more dated again. The next couple of tracks dial back the intensity a little bit, if not the darkness, until "Evil Speaks" slams things back into high gear. This is one of my all-time favorite Leæther Strip songs, and again, I don't think it would sound out of place on a new release. The album slows down a bit from there again, though I would be remiss if I didn't mention the remix of one of my other all-time favorites, "Antius (Psycho Strip Edit)". I think I prefer the original version by a smallish margin, but it's definitely still great.

A look at the bandcamp link above will show you that Leæther Strip has released A LOT of music, even for someone who's been doing it so long (and remember, this is just one of several projects). If you're wondering where to start with the older stuff, I think this album is as good of a place to start as any. It is also worth noting that all of the bandcamp proceeds go towards helping Claus' sick husband, so spend freely. :)