Add N to (X) – “Revenge of the Black Regent ” – [Mute]

mitch   6/24/2006   7-inch, A Library

ADD N TO (X) is the London trio of Ann Shenton, Steve
Claydon and Barry Smith (aka Barry 7), who released a
debut album on before signing to in
Early 1998. B-side ‘Iron Man? is from the group’s second
LP, ‘Avant Hard?, plundering as it does FOCUS & other
Prog curiosities. ‘Revenge of the Black Regent? is a 1999
Barry 7 / Dean Honer production, a wild valkyrie ride of
Main title proportions evoking a vast crane shot of late-
Victorian equestrian battleground (see Tony Richardson’s
Charge of the Light Brigade) magnificence, complete with
falling standards, heroic sacrifice to the sound of military
drums, and the heavenly vocals of ALISON GOLDFRAPP
wafting as requiem for survivors of the denouement.
A preview of the third ADD N album, ‘Add Insult to Injury?
(2000), ‘Revenge? blends programmed synths with a pair
of live drummers to maximum indelible effect, proving that
the sun never sets on British electronic weaponry. Steve
Claydon exhibits installation art in UK galleries, Ann Shenton
publishes a satirical newspaper (The Deadworth Echo), and
Barry Smith runs a NY record label, and a club
night billed as ‘Destroy it Yourself?. Outstanding premeditated
shockwave.

MITCH Dec 2002