The Becoming - An Industrial Anthem Steeped in Haunting Drones and Rhythmic Mayhem
Industrial music often evokes images of clanging machinery, dystopian landscapes, and the raw power of sonic experimentation. But within this genre lies a vast ocean of sounds, textures, and emotions, constantly shifting and evolving. Today, we delve into one particular whirlpool of industrial intensity: “The Becoming” by the seminal band Throbbing Gristle. Released in 1978 as part of their groundbreaking album “Second Annual Report,” this track serves as a potent example of the genre’s early evolution, pushing sonic boundaries and exploring the darkest recesses of human experience.
Throbbing Gristle, formed in Hull, England, in 1975, was a collective of avant-garde artists who sought to challenge societal norms and dismantle musical conventions through their confrontational and unsettling soundscapes. The band’s core members – Genesis P-Orridge (vocals), Peter Christopherson (electronics, tape manipulation), Cosey Fanni Tutti (electronics, vocals), and Chris Carter (synthesizers) - brought diverse artistic backgrounds to the table, forging a unique sonic identity that defied categorization.
“The Becoming” opens with a chilling drone, an ominous low-frequency hum that sets the stage for the track’s disturbing atmosphere. Over this foundation, layers of distorted synths and industrial clatter emerge, creating a dense and disorienting sonic tapestry. P-Orridge’s vocals, heavily processed and delivered in a menacing whisper, add another layer of unease, reciting cryptic lyrics that explore themes of transformation, decay, and the fragility of human identity.
The track’s structure is far from conventional, eschewing traditional song forms for an unsettling journey through sonic extremes. Rhythmic patterns emerge and dissolve into chaos, punctuated by sudden bursts of noise and jarring synth textures. The listener is left disoriented, unsure of where the music will lead them next – a deliberate tactic employed by Throbbing Gristle to evoke discomfort and challenge preconceived notions about what music can be.
The use of tape manipulation, a technique Christopherson mastered, further adds to the track’s eerie atmosphere. Recorded sounds are stretched, looped, and distorted, creating a haunting sonic collage that seems to defy time and space. This element highlights Throbbing Gristle’s embrace of experimentation and their willingness to push the boundaries of traditional music production.
One can’t discuss “The Becoming” without acknowledging its cultural context. Emerging from the punk and post-punk movements of the late 1970s, Throbbing Gristle challenged the DIY ethos of punk by embracing technology and exploring darker, more unsettling sonic territories. Their music was a reaction against societal conformity and consumerism, offering a stark and uncompromising commentary on the state of the world.
The track’s title, “The Becoming,” reflects this broader thematic concern with transformation and evolution. The lyrics, while cryptic, hint at a process of metamorphosis, both physical and psychological. This sense of constant change is reflected in the music itself, which never settles into a predictable pattern, instead continuously shifting and morphing throughout its duration.
| Instrumental Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Drones | Low-frequency humming that provides a foundation for the track’s unsettling atmosphere. |
| Distorted Synths | Harsh, discordant synthesizer sounds that create a sense of chaos and unease. |
| Industrial Clutter | Recorded sounds of machinery and other industrial noises used to enhance the track’s gritty texture. |
Genesis P-Orridge’s Vocal Performance: A Study in Unsettling Delivery
Genesis P-Orridge’s vocals are a defining element of “The Becoming” – a chilling whisper that seems to emerge from the shadows. Heavily processed and distorted, they convey a sense of detached observation, as if the listener is being privy to a disturbing internal monologue. The lyrics themselves are cryptic and unsettling:
- “I am becoming”
- “Dissolve into darkness”
- “The machine consumes me”
These phrases evoke themes of transformation, disintegration, and the surrender of self to external forces – all key themes explored by Throbbing Gristle’s music. P-Orridge’s delivery, coupled with the unsettling sonic landscape, creates a truly unnerving listening experience.
Legacy and Impact:
“The Becoming,” along with Throbbing Gristle’s wider discography, has had a profound impact on industrial music and beyond. Their willingness to embrace noise, dissonance, and challenging themes paved the way for generations of artists who followed. The track’s influence can be heard in countless bands across genres, from Nine Inch Nails to Ministry to Coil.
Throbbing Gristle’s legacy extends beyond their musical innovations. They were pioneers of multimedia art, incorporating performance art, film, and visual imagery into their work. Their provocative and often controversial performances challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.
Today, “The Becoming” remains a potent reminder of industrial music’s ability to confront, disturb, and ultimately inspire. Its haunting drones, rhythmic mayhem, and unsettling vocal performance continue to resonate with listeners decades after its release, cementing its status as a true classic of the genre.