SPKtR

Absolute industrial legend from the 70s and 80s begins a new life

Never heard of SPKtR? We are willing to bet you have. This is, after all, the reincarnation of SPK: the absolute pioneers of industrial synth-pop, and the first band to be banned from England for welding on stage.

In 1978, SPK was born from a friendship between Australian housemates Graeme Revell and Neil Hill. Besides a house, the pair shared an interest in a German radical Marxist group called das Sozialistisches Patientenkollektiv. In short: SPK. Inspired by Kraftwerk, Can, Neu!, Faust, and John Cage, they began forging their own sound. A sound just as extreme as the movement from which they derived their name. Cold, grim, and industrial in the most literal sense: SPK incorporated scrap metal, oil drums, and heavy tools on stage. How hardcore is that?

In 1988, they called it quits, and Revell threw himself into a career as a composer for film and video game scores. Now, 38 years later, he is back. Not with a lame reunion show, but as a new entity with a modernized sound. Almost literally a rebirth, as son Robert has joined the band. On December 3rd, they will immerse us in their danceable brutalism.