Medical Records presents two of the most striking and iconic reissues in its catalog. The first of the two Severed Heads reissues is 1983’s “Since The Accident”. Severed Heads are one of the most diverse and expert sound palette engineers and are also repeatedly overlooked and far underrated. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, they formed in 1979. The band was composed of many different members though it’s existence but Tom Ellard has always been the constant since 1979 when he joined the band. The group’s early recordings were characterized by manipulated tape loop experiments, cleverly modulated noise elements and repetition. This period is very well suited to the early industrial period. Over time, the sounds morphed into more melodic leanings with pop elements and more prominent synth leads and backbone. “Since The Accident” was released in 1983 on UK “Ink” records.
The LP exemplifies the transition point between experimental structure and loops into the catchy pop hooks that would later define such releases as “Rotund For Success”. Difficult to classify, it is a masterpiece of electronic music. The opening track “Relic Of The Empire” is a slow sequenced magnificent piece with time-stretched samples overlaid with multiple tracks to create a symphony quite unlike anything heard before. The hit “Dead Eyes Opened” (charted in 1985 as a single) is a dance floor friendly track with crafted synth hooks fused with bursts of noise intertwining with interesting vocal samples. “Gashing The Old Mae West” is a perfect example of how the record can take a dark turn into the style of the earlier Sev Heads with jagged industrial crunched out tape loops and folding in and out samples. Though signed to 80’s industrial label icon Nettwerk in North America and often classified in the same vein, these records are not easily definable and actually have a life of their own.
Though commonly misclassified with a lot of the late 80s industrial/goth scene (as well as touring with Skinny Puppy at one point), Severed Heads would be more accurately in good company with acts such as Cabaret Voltaire, early Coil, Chris & Cosey (and CTI), and the like. Long out of print and a rarity on the collector’s market, it is presented with original repro jacket. Remastered by Tom Ellard form the original source masters. Presented on high-quality 180gram heavyweight black and white vinyl. Features bonus LP insert compiled by Tom Ellard with ephemera from the time. Limited Edition.
