Well, industrial music has had its share of labels. Wax Trax! did a hell of a lot to increase industrial music awareness in the U.S. Then, there have been labels like Metropolis. Metropolis is one of the few remaining industrial labels in the U.S. and holds an amazing roster of most of the world’s talented electro acts.
Often overlooked, though, is the contribution that the Re-Constriction Records label made to the industrial scene throughout its lifespan. It was the loving creation of Chase, self-titled “label slumlord”, who took delight in entertaining and had a deep love for his acts. So, to salute Chase and the loss of Re-Constriction several years ago, I pay tribute to its releases.
Re-Constriction, in its lifespan, only released around forty albums of industrial music, but those albums have had a lasting effect on the industrial scene. Without the influence of Chase and his compilation albums, a variety of unsigned industrial bands never would have had their music heard. Nor would it be likely that bands like 16 Volt and Diatribe had their albums released.
Re-Constriction started from humble beginnings. Chase, having a local California radio show and doing A&R work for various labels, decided to start issuing industrial compilations of unsigned and underground bands. These If It Moves… compilations were very well-received, featuring bands that would go on to be signed to a variety of different labels, very much including Chase’s own. Chase put out these compilations in collaboration with Cargo Records, who allowed him to start up a small industrial division, known as Re-Constriction.
The first signing to Re-Constriction was that of California natives, Diatribe. Diatribe’s mix of electronics and guitar was well-received and found a fan in Skinny Puppy’s Nivek Ogre, who went on to co-produce two songs on their debut single. In 1992, Diatribe’s “Nothing” single was released.
Chase’s next acquisition was that of European electro act Leæther Strip. The album “Penetrate The Satanic Citizen,” a compilation of Leæther Strip’s early material, was something of a coup for the burgeoning label. As part of the Leæther Strip contract, Chase was forced to make his third release a horrid techno compilation, entitled “The Technotic Effect”.
REC-004 would mark a change in Re-Constriction. It was the first CD by coldwave artist Eric Powell’s 16 Volt. The CD “Wisdom” featured a drastically different look at the nature of guitar industrial. Combining elements of Ministry, Revolting Cocks, and Skinny Puppy, Powell churned out harsh, guitar-laden (though dancable) hits.
