SPK - Respiration Chamber

Review by Kristian Petersen

Respiration Chamber, the 1989 album by SPK, is a haunting and intense experience that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche. The Australian experimental group, led by composer Graeme Revell, creates a soundscape that is both industrial and organic, blending electronic beats, distorted guitars, and eerie samples with natural sounds like breathing and heartbeat.

The album's title track, "Respiration Chamber," sets the tone with its pulsing rhythm and ominous drones, evoking the feeling of being trapped in a claustrophobic space. "Despair" is a slow-burning meditation on isolation and hopelessness, with Revell's mournful vocals adding to the sense of despair.

The album's centerpiece is the epic "In Flagrante Delicto," a 25-minute opus that builds from a sparse, atmospheric intro to a frenzied climax of pounding drums and screeching feedback. It's a tour de force of industrial music that showcases SPK's ability to create a visceral, immersive sonic experience.

Summary by Kristian Petersen

Respiration Chamber is not an easy listen, but it rewards those who are willing to delve into its dark, unsettling world. It's a testament to SPK's pioneering vision and their willingness to push the boundaries of what music can be.