The Damage Manual – The Damage Manual (2000)

I recollect neither buying this or listening to it before this exercise. I had no idea why I might by it until further examination revealed that Jah Wobble plays bass on this album, so that's probably it. Further research sees The Damage Manual described as an 'industrial supergroup' although apart from Wobble, I'm only familiar with Martin Atkins, former PIL drummer.

It opens harshly with King Mob, Chris Connolly's (Revolting Cocks, Ministry, since you asked) rough vocals really offering little of interest, and that theme continues, although more engagingly with Age Of Urges, which is more of a punk anthem in parts. Top Ten Severed has a more dance mix, and it reminds me of Bowie's Earthling album, certainly the best thing so far. The Peepshow Ghosts plods unappealingly, as does Sunset Gun. Stateless is a punk-dance-electrothrash, and by now, I think I've had enough. Expand feels like a PIL imitation, while Denial is a reasonable attempt at a more gentle song. Broadcasting just doesn't really feel like anything. There are four more tracks, remixes of what's gone before which for me, don't add anything, apart from the surprisingly catchy Blame And Demand.

I didn't enjoy this album. It had its moments early on, but (and this is such a predictable observation), it reminded me of what PIL might be without Lydon's sneering vocals, and Levene's unique guitar style. And with all respect to the fine rhythm section of Atkins and Wobble, without that, PIL imitators sound limp

Link to full album

2* - This dance / post punk mix doesn't quite work for me.