Today’s video of the day is the SPK – "In Flagrante Delicto" released in 1986.
Formed in Sydney in 1978, SPK became a major force in Australia’s industrial scene. Graeme Revell and Neil Hill founded the group after meeting while working at Callan Park Hospital. Early releases such as Information Overload Unit (1981) and Leichenschrei (1982) embraced harsh noise, experimental percussion, and unsettling sound collage. However, SPK soon began changing direction. Machine Age Voodoo (1984) introduced more electronic and dance-oriented elements. Then, in 1986, Zamia Lehmanni: Songs of Byzantine Flowers pushed that evolution much further.
Released in 1986, “In Flagrante Delicto” stands among SPK’s most atmospheric recordings. The track appears on Zamia Lehmanni, following a short introductory piece with the same title. Instead of the brutal noise of SPK’s early work, Revell builds a darker and more cinematic sound. Slow electronic textures, orchestral elements, and haunting vocals create an eerie atmosphere. Moreover, Revell recorded and produced the album as a solo project, playing all the instruments. Jan Thornton provided vocals on “In Flagrante Delicto.”
Consequently, Zamia Lehmanni became a major turning point for SPK. It moved the group from industrial experimentation toward post-industrial, ambient, and modern classical territory. Furthermore, “In Flagrante Delicto” pointed directly toward Revell’s future film work. He later used the track while developing music for the 1989 thriller Dead Calm. That score earned Revell the Australian Film Institute award for Best Original Score. Soon afterward, he built a major Hollywood career. Meanwhile, SPK followed Zamia Lehmanni with Digitalis Ambigua: Gold & Poison in 1987. The group then released Oceania… In Performance 1987 before disbanding in 1988.
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