Pete Jones
Neurotechnic

It’s seems like a hundred years since I reviewed Pete’s last release ‘Twisted’ back in good old F&F13. I didn’t know it at the time but it turned out to be last issue. Well, much has changed since then… Much has changed for Pete also, and ‘Neurotechnic’ reflects this…

It’s safe to say Pete would have had this 4 track EP released quite some time ago, but various circumstances, such as real life, got in the way. By hook or by crook he’s finally managed to get it finished and out, and it’s a welcome return.

The ‘Twisted’ album was a genuine pleasant surprise for me, I really wasn’t expecting much from it but it quickly won me over. Though, if I was being honest I hadn’t listened to it for years, and when I heard that, almost five years later, Pete had a follow up EP to be released my attention was caught up with other things, like real life. The EP sort of slipped through the net, but I have it now and it’s time it got some exposure…

As before Pete plays, produces, mixes, and programme's the whole record himself. Largely electronic and computer based ‘Neurotechnic’ continues on from where ‘Twisted’ left off, but manages to cram nearly as much variety into just four tracks. Not one track here is the same, and the whole EP has a much darker edge to it. Given what Pete had been going through, that’s only natural, and doing ‘Neurotechnic’ was probably the vent he needed. ‘Neurotechnic’ a word of Pete’s creation, is one that somehow really fits the EP.

The first track ‘Tiny Mind’ has a feel almost reminiscent to ‘Francis Massacre’ on PiL’s ‘Flowers of Romance’ album, paranoia and confusion ooze from it. Starting with oriental piano chimes it leads into discordant synths, strange effects and an erratic guitar line. The most striking thing however, is the chilling vocal. The best way to describe it would be like screams from an asylum! Not the sort of track you’re likely to play at your Aunties Birthday party, though still a lot less disturbing than Russ Abott.

‘Hard2Breathe’ has a kind of murky disco undercurrent, matched with Pete’s rambling claustrophobic vocals, and some accordion sounding synths. ‘Liar’ is probably the most easily accessible track on the EP. With its regimental rhythm track - not dissimilar to something like ‘I Need More’ by Can - and topped by fast guitar and a gloriously over the top vocal. You could almost imagine it blaring over a chase scene in some science fiction B movie.

The last track ‘Neurotechnic’ is probably my favourite. Repetitive pumping bass, backed with drum loops, scratchy guitar, sparse vocals, and horns like something from a black and white detective movie. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it!

As I’ve stated before I honestly don’t think Pete could give a fuck about PiL, or how his records are viewed, but I always find it ironic that someone who claims not to like PiL can end up sounding so much like them. BUT. And it’s a big but. It’s not really the music that’s similar, though there is definitely a nod, it’s the feel. While musically not always getting there, he always manages to get his feeling across. Warts and all, these are intriguing tracks, and if you were a fan of ‘Twisted’ then you’ll welcome this release with open arms. If you haven’t heard either record, then it’s about time you made the effort.