reviews

Regen magazine - USA. - 2007

Bearing more resemblance to the industrial music of the early '80s, this reissue of Attrition's 1984 output presents a discordant collection of songs that reminds us of the excitability of experimentation.

Celebrating their 25th year, Martin Bowes' darkwave collective Attrition continues in their typically morose and prolific fashion, reissuing their 1984 album, The Attrition of Reason , with The Voice of God EP attached for a complete package of one of the group's early years.
Those familiar with Attrition's output over the years will be familiar with their unique brand of audio macabre, from the monochromatic visuals evoked from their blend of dark melodies and dissonant accompaniments.
What is noteworthy about this album is just how well it holds up in the day and age of laptops and iPods; the production and remastering give the music an updated sheen that belies the primitive nature of the technology employed. Indeed, the opening static squeals that begin "Day I Was Born" would not be out of place on any modern electronic artist's record, but before long, the song delves into a procession of slightly off-key bass lines and vocal harmonies that truly convey a miserable atmosphere befitting a rundown gothic cathedral.
From here, the album is filled with plenty of '80s requisites, particularly the rubbery analog synths that permeate through "The Redoubt of Light" to the simplistic and tinny-sounding drum patterns of "The Next Day." One of the album's centerpieces is the almost danceable "Take a Walk" and its companion piece "Beast of Burden," both of which are reminiscent of The Cure's early '80s output, albeit with a panicked abstract edge.
Other standout tracks include "You Will Remember Nothing" with its fluid and detuned synth loop that one can never seem to get tired of hearing, the dark synthpop of "Across the Divide," and the nightmarish soundscape of "Behind Innocence, Lies," with its phased vocals and understated oscillating drones that would make Coil proud.
Of course, it wouldn't be an Attrition album without several classical instruments thrown into the fold, such as squealing flutes and saxophones and stabs of cellos throughout the album, especially in the extended audio collage of "Prayer for the Head."
In the end, this reissue of The Attrition of Reason shows us not only the early stages of one of darkwave's most enduring acts, but offers today's listeners a taste of the excitability of experimentation.
The songs presented here bear more resemblance to the early industrial clamor of SPK and Throbbing Gristle than to the pseudo-classical goth that Attrition and other acts of their ilk perpetuated. For this reason, it will surely put off many who are more accustomed to the group's more current material, but if you're in the mood for something raw, discordant, and bleak, then you'll enjoy this record.

Musictap.net - USA. - 2007

Martin Bowes' remastering and reissue project of his Attrition albums continues with the reissue of his debut album, The Attrition of Reason (1984).  Created in a time where gothic music was more distinctive – and popular – than it is now, Attrition was the experimental side of a wider genre.  Remember the success of Cure, Bauhaus, The Damned, and others of that ilk, and you'll remember how much Gothic played a part in that time.  While Attrition wasn't as popular as the aforementioned bands, their impact, nevertheless, gave rise and influence to much of the industrial music popularity that sprung up later in the 80s.

Martin Bowes brought sounds and elements into the construction of his songs to create a strangely satisfying and truly gothic experience and he has evolved that Attrition sound in the years that followed.  In order to fully realize the Attrition sound, Bowes managed to stay outside the confines of larger labels so as to not compromise the integrity of what he wanted his audience to enjoy.  A few years later, Attrition would find a suitable home in Projekt Records where, within the realm of a few years, a large collection of his Attrition music would become accessible to a US audience.

Marrying gothic with late night horror film creep, The Attrition of Reason delivers, first by way of its cover and then by its music, the look and feel of a walk through a ancient house of evil.  The album's opener track, “Day I Was Born,” sounds like the ghosts of the past communicating by singing in a mix of banshee backing vocals and a monotone voice, accompanied by eerie keyboards not uncommon in classic horror.  But to pin the entirety of The Attrition of Reason on this board would be wrong.  While the elements of horror remain throughout the album, there are songs that explore the juxtaposition of sounds to excellent effect and making for an album of note.

On “You Will Remember Nothing,” there is an element of a suspenseful movie score with a consistent looping electronic track and whispering, ghostly, movie-like vocals (voiceovers?).  Other songs, like the highly experimental instrumental cut “Take a Walk,” with its dance beats, and its sister, “Beast of Burden (take a walk),” also a dance track, add to the heart of this album.  Added to this reissue is the 4-track EP, The Voice of God (1984).  This EP's collection of songs are all danceable, sounding more like the 80s period of pop tunes that you remember.  

The Attrition of Reason stays true to its gothic roots and explorations of horror in its 8 tracks.  That element was explored by bands like The Cure but never cut into the arm as deeply as Attrition does.  With this reissue's expanded addition of the 4-song EP, The Attrition of Reason is a greater collector value.  Fans should be quite happy to get this next remastered disc for their Attrition library.

Guardian Newspaper - UK - August 1984

"...Ethereal recorder and voices take the listener on a magical ride through Attrition dreamsleep. Mesmerizing sequences and cymbal flurries provide a sub-mantric tapestry for Martin's growling, almost menacing voice, and for Chryss' high echoed vocals that float across the surface of the music like the white lady floating across the misty lake of the sub-conscious.
Occasionally the band burst out of their own dream with twitching, triggered rythmns and sliding synth lines that set you firmly back to the body and to the Attrition dance sound.
Whether the band conjure up dream or dance, it retains it's potency throughout - enhanced at times with studio effects and tape cut ups. the record is a mysterious, sometimes enchanting debut that leaves you looking forward to their next recordings."

Phil Knight ...The Legendary Pink Dots