‘Brutalism’ is a brand new compilation album by the British band Cubanate. It covers the years 1992 to 1996 and features 14 songs from their first three albums, including remastered versions of singles such as ‘Oxyacetylene’, ‘Body Burn’ and ‘Joy’.At their peak, Cubanate’s techno-rock crossover was controversial and influential, with their importance still resonating today. They were one of the few UK bands tagged as ‘Industrial’ to cross over to a mainstream audience and were regular fixtures in publications as diverse as Kerrang! and Melody Maker (receiving several Single of the Week accolades in both), as well as on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball. They also toured with stalwarts such as Front 242, Gary Numan, The Sisters of Mercy and Front Line Assembly. The band later signed to the seminal Wax Trax! Imprint in the USA and their songs have appeared in film, TV and game soundtracks. But, with the demise of their European label Dynamica in 2000, Cubanate’s early work has long been out of print. It’s time for a reassessment.
Brutalism showcases a band that was certainly ahead of its time. These days, when fusion is all the rage, it is hard to understand the fury of rock purists at Cubanate’s pilfering of genres. However, not only were they influential, but they also brought back a genuinely confrontational live approach after the bland, big-hair stylings of the ’80’s.
Britalism is released by Armalyte Industries on 5th May, and Cubanate will play their first shows of the new millennium on the following dates:
28.04.17 GLASGOW Saint Luke’s
30.04.17 LONDON O2 Academy Islington
Ahead of the album and th live shows, they’ve unveiled a new promo video for ‘Oxyacetylene’, which you can watch here:
