Electronic Sound  |  Issue 88
There aren’t many bands like Laibach. Or maybe that should be any. Trying to explain who they are and what they do is quite the challenge, but that’s the task we’ve set ourselves for this month’s cover feature. Formed at the start of the 1980s in a Slovenian mining town in what was then Yugoslavia, the band arrived as part of wider art movement, Neue Slowenische Kunst, which they co-founded against a backdrop of massive upheaval in the region. The NSK collective featured several different factions. Alongside Laibach, who were the music wing of the movement, there was a theatre group, an audio-visual unit, a team of graphic designers, a team of filmmakers, and even a philosopher or two (working under the banner of the Department of Pure and Applied Philosophy).
The various arms of NSK addressed ideas of culture and national identity in Slovenia at a time when bloody and brutal ethnic conflicts were tearing the former Yugoslavia apart. This is all clearly weighty stuff, but Laibach have always tackled issues with such fearless invention, not to mention plenty of good humour, that it’s hard not to marvel at their incredible body of work. Ed Sheeran singing “I’m in love with the shape of you” this is not. And if you’re wondering why frontman Milan Fras is holding an owl on the opening spread of the feature, well, we have no idea whatsoever. It’s Laibach, innit?
We have a dazzling array of synthy goodness as this month’s supporting cast. Hannah Peel talks about her fascinating new project with Paraorchestra and Tears For Fears reflect on their first album in nearly 20 years. Nik Colk Void, Loraine James and Kavinsky are our other main interviews, while our always jam-packed reviews section kicks off with Plastikman’s reworking of his classic ‘Consumed’ album with Chilly Gonzales at the piano. We’ve got a busy front section too, including Betty Boo and Sonic Boom, plus a great story about a new short film about Andrew Weatherall.
read more
read less
Electronic Sound magazine is famed for its deep electronic foundations and sets the scene for Electronic Sound as a culture and a technology. High-quality journalism and undisputed expertise of the scene make this magazine a must read for fans of electronic music.
The latest technology and toy reviews are available in each monthly issue along with a synth analysis used by the early pioneers. Electric Sounds magazine is a plethora of synth knowledge and you’ll love the tips and tricks from the synth wizard, Synthesiser Dave, with a wealth of advice on repairs and fixes for all of your machines.
Offering you a range of popular monthly features; including artist interviews with past pioneers and future hitmakers, a historic look back at key synth sounds and expert tips within the popular tech advice section.
Whether you’re part of the DIY revolution or a trailblazing studio engineer then Electric Sound is talking about the topics that matter to you, so what are you waiting for? Subscribe to Electronic Sound magazine and download the latest magazine to your device and enjoy today!
An Electronic Sound digital magazine subscription is a must for electric music fans of all levels:
- The world’s number one electronic sound magazine
- Expert articles from the scenes best pioneers
- Insight from stars of the culture
- Detailed coverage of all major events and exhibitions
- Guides on how to repair your machines
- Delivered direct to your device every month
You'll receive 12 issues during a 1 year Electronic Sound magazine subscription.
Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in Electronic Sound Issue 88.