Search - Throbbing Gristle :: Part Two. The Endless Not

A synthesis of their respective histories

The Pitiful Anonymous | the Acres of Skin | 06/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am glad to say that TG's comeback album, The Endless Not, is absolutely awesome. There is little new ground covered here, but the overall quality and consistency of the album makes that overlookable. Really, the album moves between moments reminiscient of the Coil discography and the old TG discography. This means that finally, the full effect of some the fundamental TG concepts can be felt... they sound better than ever here, fully realized with modern technology.



Rather than create an album of incredible diversity and experimentation like "D.O.A", TG focused on one of the types of songs that they did best... rhythmic, dense walls of sound. However, there's a noticably increased focused on melodies and musicality, which weave in and out of the 'found sound' arrangements. Genesis' vocals are often melodic. I'll address some of the individual tracks:



Opener "Vow of Silence" is the traditional, subtle, pulse-like rhythm with spliced, mulilated samples and vocals overlayed. "Greasy Spoon" and "Lyre Lyre" follow this sort of template as well.



The slow jazz of "Rabbit Snare" leans clearly in the Coil direction, and even includes Genesis singing some very John Balance-esque lyrics ("Why are you scared?") to a very John Balance-esque melody. This track also has the only appearance of Cosey's familiar deranged cornet playing.



"The Worm Waits Its Turn" sounds more like a Pigface track than TG in the latter half. It is dominated by a straightforward beat and Genesis' expressive spoken word.



"Separated" and "Above the Below" are the freshest feeling tracks, and are Chris Carter's and Cosey's solo tracks respectively (each member has a solo track, like they did on "D.O.A"). They likely only feel new to me because I haven't heard any of their work (much of which was together) since the break up of TG. The style of synth and guitar work the two used to contribute to TG is noticably missing from The Endless Not, and it would seem they have both moved into other more electronic areas. Both tracks are quite subdued and atmospheric.



While the song structures may not vary much, the overall range of sounds present on The Endless Not is huge. And much like Coil, the mixing and production is absolutely incredible. It sounds great on speakers, and even better on headphones.



In conclusion, TG has returned and delivered possibly the most consistent and enjoyable album of their career, but not even close to the most adventurous."

Must Have for TG fans

J. Wilson | San Francisco Area | 07/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been listening to TG since '79.

If you are not already a TG fan, this may NOT convince you.

It is very good, and if you are a fan, you'll want one of the totemic copies of Pt.2: T.E.Not. Very Accessible. I play it at work.



I saw and spoke with TG in London in June at the ICA performance- what an experience! I picked up my totemic copy (which they autographed) from the recording session performance..I play my non-totemic CD.

(A note, find the TG Flash 'Zig-Zag' in the snow on the mountain. Genesis P-Orridge pointed that out to me.)"

Pleasantly Dark and Alien

K. Blackwelder | Chicago, IL USA | 12/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was mostly interested in this album due to its connection to (the now sadly defunct) COIL, but it proved itself a great album in its own right. Slightly dark and modestly moody, it's perfect music for a dreary winter day, especially if you enjoy casual suicidal ideation."