Today’s video of the day is Spahn Ranch – “Safety” released in 1994.
Spahn Ranch, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, burst onto the scene in 1994 with their groundbreaking album "Warfare." This marked a pivotal moment in the band’s history, as they continued to carve their niche in the industrial music genre. The band was founded by Matt Green, a New York native who relocated to Los Angeles. With his savings, he beckoned his musical partner of five years, Rob Morton, from New York to join forces in the City of Angels. Together with the vocal talents of Scott Franklin, the trio created a mesmerizing four-song EP in June.
This self-titled EP was recorded and mixed by the accomplished engineer Rod O’Brian at the Backroom in Glendale, CA, in September of the same year. Rod’s impressive portfolio included iconic artists like David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Talking Heads. The newly established Cleopatra Records, based in Los Angeles, recognized the EP’s potential and agreed to release it. In October, Matt and Rob contributed a new track, "Machine Politics," to Cleopatra’s compilation album, "The Whip." Their music was gaining traction and garnering attention.
As Spahn Ranch’s journey continued, they received advice from Cleopatra Records to secure a full-time vocalist and consider recording a full album. Serendipitously, Athan Maroulis, a friend of the duo, had recently moved to L.A. He was a vocalist they admired and was asked to join the group. In April and May of that same year, the band entered JLAB Studio in West Hollywood, where they recorded their debut album, "Collateral Damage." Rob took charge of producing the music, while Matt oversaw the vocals, leading to a harmonious blend of their creative energies.
"Breath & Taxes" is a standout track from Spahn Ranch’s "Warfare" album, released in 1994 on Cleopatra Records. This album, laden with industrial and electronic elements, represented the band’s evolution and commitment to pushing the boundaries of their sound. It showcased their journey from the early days of experimentation to a more refined and cohesive musical entity. "Warfare" not only solidified their presence in the industrial music scene but also set the stage for their subsequent albums, where they continued to explore and innovate within their genre.
In conclusion, Spahn Ranch’s "Breath & Taxes" remains a pivotal piece of their discography, representing the band’s growth and commitment to the industrial music genre. As they embraced new influences and musical directions, their subsequent albums built upon the foundation laid by "Warfare," solidifying their place in the annals of industrial music history.
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