Search - Pigface :: New High in Low

A perfect album for simple relaxation

The Pitiful Anonymous | the Acres of Skin | 07/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Also perfect car music. I was thinking about giving this album 4 stars, but then I realized it really accomplishes exactly what it seems to be trying to do.



What this album is, primarily, is creative drumming by Atkins, occasional basslines and sound effects, with free flowing, stream of consciousness spoken word and singing vocals over the top, with various people. There are a lot of very interesting things said, and some great melodies.



The first disk is primarily overlapping female vocals and the aforementioned drum work by Martin Atkins, with "Nutopia" and "Kiss King" standing out as having fantastic melodies and interesting phrases uttered... for example, from Nutopia, 'the city is all wrapped in plastic like an electric cocoon, if you lay in the street you can hear it humming...'. I think you need to appreciate poetry and literature to enjoy this album, and know that that's a large part of what you're getting if you get this album. The other tracks on the first disk are all solid as well. There seems to be an almost urban feel to it, likely due to the personalities involved. I haven't heard of any of these people, but they do well. "You Know/You Know/You Know" is also fantastic.



Now for the second disk. Genesis P-Orridge recites a mini-novel over a beat and bass in "An English Breakfast" (which is a total of 50 minutes long). If this was improvised like a lot of Throbbing Gristle is, he is an absolute genius. Hell, if it wasn't, it's still fantastic. People have complained about it, but they really need to listen to what he's saying. The story is very interesting, involving all the usual Gen P topics- England, sex, abnormal people, etc. Separating the two parts of the story is "Train" a fantastic atmospheric piece that really does convey the atmosphere of a subway underground.



All in all this has little to do with industrial (except possibly "Train") but it's definitely something new, which was the point of industrial anyway, and it's definitely something good. Recommended."

'R' Evolution of Sound......

Dan | 02/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is your brain on music: ......./\......../\........./\........?.........This is your brain on 'A New High In Low'::-) :-) :-) ;-) :-)Any questions?It's amazing that this did not happen in the 80's. For a truly new exprience is sound and sight of mind, this is a must. So go buy a very expensive set of headphones (you will need them) and prepare yourself for the evolution.GZi"

Never boring, pigface

garhob | a happy family | 01/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can you say about pigface that hasn't been said. Everything pigface has been involved in is a worthy exploration in sound. They may not all be worthy of the repeat function on your CD player, (in fact some make use of the skip function) but you cannot deny that at least they have the guts and skill to tread their own path. If you are interested in the interesting, pigface is one of my recommendations. A New High in Low, I would say, is their most perfected album in the studio sense. It makes for a highly enjoyable experience from start to finish. The first CD is a great mix of what pigface does best. The Second is primarily spoken word with musical backup. To be honest I seldom listen to this although when I do, it receives my utmost attention. Overall, one of my personal favorites. A necessity in any pigface collections and a great introduction to an ever changing, never boring, pigface."