THROBBING GRISTLE - THE THIRD MIND MOVEMENTS

Released: 23/08/2024

One of the most influential experimental groups to come out of Britain (or anywhere else for that matter), Throbbing Gristle’s oeuvre is jam-packed with classics – two of the very best of which have now been reissued (for the first time ever) by Mute. The Third Mind Movements initially emerged as an exclusive release only available on the band’s last ever American tour in 2009 (they split for the final time in 2010), and, as the title implies, explores William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin’s classic 1977 book The Third Mind, a collection of short stories and poems (and an interview with Burroughs) created via the aleatory cut-up technique which the pair popularised (it was arguably first conceived by the Dadaist Tristan Tzara). Employing said approach, this heavy, hypnotic work of un-easy listening features manipulated, time-stretched, and distorted samples, rhythmical breakbeats and foreboding electronics.

Similarly, the legendary, long-out-of-print TGCD1, comprising 42 minutes of studio recordings captured at the group’s own Industrial Records Studio on a TEAC 8-Track in 1979, is one of the apex works of industrial music. Initially serving as an exclusive piece of unreleased material for TG’s first-ever CD release, the LP is a thrilling work of dark and harsh beats and drones, showcasing the band during, arguably, their most formative era. The release also includes the original sleeve notes by all the members of the band – Chris Carter, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Genesis P-Orridge, and the late Peter ‘Sleazy' Christopherson – uncovering the story and ethos behind TG’s independent label, Industrial Records. 

If you’re a fan of uncompromising, mind-melting avant-garde music, these two remarkable records are essential listening.