Broadcast And The Focus Group - Investigate Witch Cults Of The Radio Age (LP)

"Broadcast and The Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age" is a collaborative album between the British electronic band Broadcast and Julian House, who records under the name The Focus Group. Released on October 26, 2009, by Warp Records, this album is a fascinating exploration of sound that defies conventional categorization, blending elements of psychedelia, hauntology, and experimental electronic music.

The album is notable for its collage-like structure, consisting of 23 tracks that flow seamlessly into one another, creating an immersive listening experience. This approach reflects the influence of Julian House, who is known for his work as a graphic designer and his interest in the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the eerie and surreal aspects of that era. The album's sound is characterized by its use of vintage electronics, tape loops, and samples, which are combined with Broadcast's ethereal vocals and melodic sensibilities.

One of the standout aspects of the album is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously feeling otherworldly and unsettling. Tracks like "The Be Colony" and "I See, So I See So" exemplify this duality, with their hypnotic rhythms and ghostly melodies. The album's title itself suggests a journey into the unknown, and the music reflects this theme by creating an atmosphere that is both familiar and strange.

The collaboration between Broadcast and The Focus Group was well-received by critics, who praised its innovative approach to sound and its ability to transport listeners to a different time and place. The album is often cited as a key work in the hauntology genre, which explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the past's influence on the present. This genre is associated with artists who use music to evoke a sense of the uncanny, and "Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age" is a prime example of this aesthetic.

While the album did not achieve mainstream commercial success, it has garnered a cult following and is highly regarded among fans of experimental music. Its influence can be seen in the work of other artists who explore similar themes and sounds, and it remains a touchstone for those interested in the intersection of music, memory, and the supernatural.

The album's artwork, designed by Julian House, complements its sonic content perfectly. The cover features a collage of images that evoke the mysterious and the arcane, further enhancing the album's enigmatic aura. This attention to visual detail is a hallmark of House's work and adds another layer of depth to the listening experience.

In terms of cultural significance, "Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age" can be seen as part of a broader movement in the late 2000s and early 2010s that sought to explore and reinterpret the past through a contemporary lens. This movement, which includes artists like Ghost Box Records and The Caretaker, reflects a growing interest in the ways that history and memory shape our understanding of the present.

Overall, "Broadcast and The Focus Group Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age" is a remarkable album that challenges listeners to engage with music in a new and thought-provoking way. Its blend of the familiar and the strange, the past and the present, creates a unique soundscape that continues to captivate and inspire. Whether you are a fan of experimental music or simply curious about the possibilities of sound, this album is a must-listen for its innovative approach and its ability to transport you to another world.