Formed in Slovenia in 1980 (then Communist Yugoslavia) at the height of the Cold War, Laibach was one of the very first groups from the Eastern Bloc to receive recognition in the West. Peel Sessions and re-releases withstanding, their new album "Wat" signals a return from the eight year recording hiatus which followed the release of "Jesus Christ Superstars" in 1996.
What do they have to say for themselves this time around? 'Wat' the album's title track spells it out:"We are no ordinary type of group. We are no humble pop musicians. We don't seduce with melodies. And we are not here to please you".
Ironically this is in stark contrast to the single and second track "Tanz Mit Laibach" (literally 'Dance With Laibach'): a song "Dedicated to the friendship between German and American people" featuring all the catchy German-for-English-speakers and stereotypically gothic vocals proffered by the likes of Rammestein.
|
In the whole "Wat" is willfully obtuse but with an ear for the mainstream and Laibach have suceeded on their own terms, creating a challenging, difficult listen. The pounding Industrial Techno and deadpan throaty vocals will rock your subwoofer even if they don't rock your world. Whether they can hold your attention for over 40 mintutes is another matter.
|
