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Pailhead

Trait (1988)
Wax Trax/TVT

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Chris
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on January 2nd 2002

To me, the fusion of Industrial and Punk/Hardcore is as natural as French Fries and Ranch dressing. At first, it may seem odd, but only because its out of the ordinary. But once you dive in, the tastes seem to compliment one another.

Pailhead is (was) a side project of sXe god Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Fugazi fame, and the masters of Industrial genius, Ministry's own Paul Barker and Al Jourgensen.

The short EP, comprised of 6 songs, brings the hypnotic trance of Ministry's classic beat structure with MacKaye's uncontestable lyrical marvel. Mackaye's voice is reminiscent of earlier Fugazi, words yelled in fury with a touch of harmony and melodic accompany.

Barker and Jourgensen bring to the table exactly what you'd expect, fast paced, uptempo drums, with scorching guitar riffs. A few samples are added for the extra Industrial touch. Personally, I think much of the sampling could have been left out, but all in the all, the sound equals incredible cohesion.

Its kind of hard to put the style into words but I assure you, this little known gem is one to own.

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Anonymous (November 10, 2004)

This EP was originally released as seperate singles before being condensed into an EP for the CD release.

tThe original 7 inches are a pretty cool find if you are a vinyl fetishist.

Also, these songs could be heard on the ancient "Wheels of Fire" skate video from the 80's.

Analog_Boy (July 27, 2003)

Yeah, the only pailhead song I know is 'I will refuse' ... its off a skate video. its a cool song.

Anonymous (January 27, 2002)

A friend of mine bought this slab of vinyl for my birthday when it was originally released. Ian MacKaye does a killer job on the vocals as usual. Way better than his attempts with Egghunt & Embrace.

evildeadalive (January 23, 2002)

I'm guessing Al thinks he isn't perfect because he DOESN'T do drugs.

Anonymous (January 23, 2002)

I just remember reading an interview with al jourgensen a few years back that went something like this...

Interviewer: is doing drugs during recording a regular thing for you?
Al: doing drugs during recording is a regular thing for most people we record with.
I: Even saint Ian?
Al: hey, nobodies perfect.

something to think about