Black Tish – ‘Industrial Tribute’ [EP] [Album Review]

Industrial ‘missing link’ outfit Black Tish released their double A-side EP, Industrial Tribute, at the beginning of the summer. It features covers of two classic industrial tracks, “What a Day” by Throbbing Gristle and Einstürzende Neubauten’s “Zerstörte Zelle.”

Black Tish is referred to as the ‘missing link’ because their sound sits somewhere between the purely experimental and user-friendly.

Made up of Bob Coecke (vocals, guitars, samples, drums), Bruce Warner (bass), and Marieke Coecke (vocals), Black Tish is known in their native Belgium for their cutting-edge sound and outrageous shows. Black Tish has a massive discography that was never released.

Difficulties with recording and production meant that the songs were shelved when frontman Coecke decided to pursue his other passion, quantum physics and consciousness. Coecke is Chief Scientist of the biggest quantum computing company in the world, Quantinuum. He is considered a leading expert not only in quantum computing and technology but the neuroscience of quantum AI.

Black Tish, photo courtesy of Black Tish

“What a Day” rolls out on a clanging rhythm topped by droning, oscillating textures as groaning vocals punctuate the soundscape, adding enigmatic, dynamic emphasis. Metallic whirring textures join the sonic melee, infusing the tune with razor-wire edges.

Dark and dripping with dread, “Zerstörte Zelle” moans with shadowy murkiness atop blacksmith-like percussion as an eerie buzzing tone wails tightly, like a monstrous, mutated insect. On the outro, the harmonics shift to inverted, rumbling vibrations.

Bending together elements of metal and industrial, with Industrial Tribute, Black Tish embraces the outermost realm of avant-garde.

Industrial Tribute Track Listing:

1. What a Day
2. Zerstörte Zelle

Run Time: 7:10
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Record Label: Independent