Fetish Records

About

Fetish Records carved its niche in the liminal spaces between sound and visual art, a process-driven endeavor that gave voice to the raw, sculptural noise of early industrial and post-punk. From 1942 to 1983, Fetish was an interdisciplinary forge, where the likes of Throbbing Gristle, 23 Skidoo, and Clock DVA colluded in sonic alchemy. This American label, despite its geographical distance from the UK's industrial heartland, became a seminal force, etching a fractal influence across the experimental landscape. The label's catalog exudes an exploratory spirit, with 16 releases that traverse the formats of LP, cassette, and the occasional VHS. Throbbing Gristle's "Five Albums" stands as a monolithic testament, a five-fold offering to the industrial gods. In the same breath, 23 Skidoo's "Seven Songs" and "Tearing Up The Plans" subverted musical norms, while Z'ev's "Wipe Out!" encapsulated the dynamic, percussive chaos of the era. Neville Brody's artwork for Fetish was as integral as the music itself, his designs a visual counterpoint to the label's auditory assault. The graphic design wasn't mere ornamentation; it was a sculptural element, intertwining with the music to form a cohesive, interdisciplinary experience. Each release was not just a product but a statement, a piece of art that challenged and provoked. "The Last Testament" in 1983 marked a defining moment for Fetish, a collective finale that echoed the label's ethos. Though Fetish Records ceased operations, its impact reverberates, a foundational pillar in the architecture of industrial music.