Review: Killing Joke ‘EXTREMITIES, The Albini Demos And Live Beginnings ’88’
The late ‘80s marked a turbulent period in Killing Joke’s history, first there were the departures of founding member Big Paul Ferguson and ‘new’ bassist Paul Raven. Then followed the release of 1988’s Outside The Gate, which received a critical mauling before 1990’s Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions marked a return to form for the ‘Joke.
What you may not be aware of is the record’s demo sessions being mixed by the late, great Steve Albini, and thus known as the Black Cassette. However, that’s not all you get here, there are excerpts from new drummer Martin Atkins first appearance with the band, a secret gig performed at Burberries in Birmingham on December 20th, 1988. I was sceptical as to whether any material would emerge post guitarist Geordie Walker’s premature death in 2023, so imagine my delight when I was given the green light to cover it. To say I was excited is an understatement.
First up is the demo of Money, which showcases just how in sync Geordie and Atkins were. Both play with a great deal of energy and in a fashion which sees the previous year’s frustration positively melt away. A brilliant start. Next up is the Unreleased demo track, and opposed to its punchier predecessor, it takes the listener down a nostalgic path via the band’s moodier post-punk roots, ala 1981’s What’s THIS For…! There’s more subtlety present, which might suit older fans who may not be as keen on the heavier side of their repertoire.
This version of Scrape/North Of The Border is, as to be expected of a demo, far sparser and less mired in distortion and effects. It is, however, catchier, and dare I say, swings and pops when compared to the studio version. There’s an almost funky feel in the style of Leeds’ finest Gang of Four, a certifiable favourite. Money (Reflex Mix) features various vocal samples scattered throughout and is a little more fleshed out than the demo version. It’s obviously more developed and better off for it, sublime. Of course, all of the demos are purely instrumental and missing Jaz Coleman, but it does help to showcase just how tight and accomplished the band really were on a purely musical level.
a fascinating snapshot into what was a time of great change for Killing Joke…
The second half of the record features tracks, the majority of which would later appear on the aforementioned Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions, performed publicly for the first time. It also sees the welcome appearance of Jaz Coleman, who is essentially the group’s focal point with his charisma, make-up and terrifying proclamations. Of the four numbers featured in this section, only The Fanatic never made it beyond the live and demo stage, which is a pity as it foreshadows the Arabic influences to be found on 1994’s Pandemonium.
The live interpretations, while decent and highlighting their newfound rejuvenation, aren’t quite as brutal and har- hitting as the later studio interpretations. It’s interesting to speculate whether the band were inspired by the then emerging industrial metal scene and/or whether it was Atkins who gave them this newfound lease of life as the fact he toured with Ministry would surely have had an impact.
EXTREMITIES, The Albini Demos And Live Beginnings ’88is a fascinating snapshot into what was a time of great change for Killing Joke. It’s difficult to see a collection of demos and live tracks appealing to casual fans, but for diehards like myself, it’s more than welcome.
Label: Overdrive Records | Invisible Records
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Reza Mills
