Description
In the mid-90s, amidst the sea of grunge dominating the music scene, a distinct sound emerged from the East Coast city of Providence. A group called Six Finger Satellite, crafted an ingenious yet eclectic sound that would mesmerize audiences even beyond their active years. A sound so innovative that their second album, ‘Severe Exposure’ (1995), continues to be considered a timeless classic and an inspiring favourite, worth celebrating even after three decades.
There was something brazenly unique about Six Finger Satellite. They stood out in the legendary Seattle-based label, Sub Pop and often referred to as the label’s black sheep, which isn’t a terrible title when it pushes mainstream boundaries. The band opted for a mix of tension-filled art-infused expressions instead of the usual alt-rock riffs typical of the Seattle scene. While they were on the opposite side of the US, it only accentuated their unique appeal.
Their novel style was a fascinating blend of post-punk and dance music elements, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the band. The sound of ‘Severe Exposure’ was a potent fusion of synth-driven rhythm and traditional rock strum, a sound that was carved out through careful exploration and improvisations. It’s commendable how Six Finger Satellite revolutionized the usage of synthesizers, giving an ineffable drive to their music.
Their journey toward this sound was not a simple passageway but involved interesting tales of transitions. At the outset, their first full-length album, ‘The Pigeon Is the Most Popular Bird’ (1993) marked their vision of cyborg-esque post-punk. The album triggered admiration from other bands leading to musical tributes, an attestation on its own. In fact, the follow-up to ‘Severe Exposure’ titled ‘Paranormalized’ (1996), leaned further into their fusion style, focusing less on guitar and more on layered synths. It was notable that even bands like The Jesus Lizard, Shellac, and Trans Am showed admiration for this unique blend of music they were producing.
It’s exhilarating to see the groundwork and development of Six Finger Satellite as they coalesce the sounds into the masterpiece we have today in ‘Severe Exposure’. While the band skirted through changes in line-ups and tragic losses throughout their journey, the spirit of their music remained undeterred. It is not surprising then that this spunky, eccentric band from Providence inspired a generation of musicians who came after them. Bands like LCD Soundsystem and the Rapture are seen as the torchbearers of the sound that Six Finger Satellite helped bring to light.
The phenomenon of Six Finger Satellite remains an integral part of music history and their second album, ‘Severe Exposure’ in particular, holds a special place. It serves as an important link between post-punk and dance music and continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. The mere blend of these divergent inspirations created an influential sub-genre that would be felt for decades to come. Six Finger Satellite, their story, and ‘Severe Exposure’ maintain an enduring legacy that sits uniquely in the annals of music.
