Released
1989/1991
Label
Nettwerk/Capitol
Reviewed by
Michael C. Lund
Visit
Last Edit/Update
23 March, 1998
Skinny Puppy
TESTURE
Track Listing
1. Testure (12" Mix)
2. Testure (S.F. Mix)
3. The Second Opinion
4. Serpents
The extended mix of
"Testure," which opens Skinny Puppy's single of the same name,
comes off to a nice beginning with emphasis on the synth theme of the song, and, of
course, cEvin Key's dynamic percussions. However, as the piece progresses, and Ogre's
poignant vocals time and again are interrupted by segments of dance rhythms, the song
looses its flow and power. The much shorter S.F. Mix of the song, on the other
hand, steers very close to the original, and as such is a more compelling version,
especially on repeated listenings.
Of greater interest are the
two added bonus tracks (which were later included on the CD release of VIVISect VI).
Both songs are very streamlined and danceable, and in the absence of Ogre's
vocals, they almost sound more like the product of Doubting Thomas than Skinny
Puppy. "The Second Opinion" features a plethora of samples, some of
them recycled from the brief Cleanse Fold And Manipulate track
"Epilogue," along with a strong, underlying flow of pulsating rhythms and
synths. The other extra track -- "Serpents" -- transplants all the ambiance of a
Middle Eastern restaurant onto Key's dynamic percussion loops. However, like
"The Second Opinion," "Serpents" is somewhat on the repetitive side,
and lack the noise and chaos of Skinny Puppy's more prominent
compositions of this period.
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