Description
The collaborative album SHOUTING THE ODDS emerges as a compelling testament to the fusion of industrial techno sensibilities crafted by two distinguished figures in Birmingham’s noise and experimental scenes. Released on 10 April 2026 through the independent label Give / Take, this split LP presents a distinctive duality: JK Flesh, the solo electronic project of Justin K Broadrick, known for his pioneering work with Godflesh and Jesu, delivers a set of tracks marked by raw acid distortion and aggressive tonal textures. In contrast, Monrella, Mick Harris’s alias recognized from his tenure with Napalm Death, offers his own contrasting yet complementary industrial creations, forging an intense interplay of soundscapes that resonate with the underground techno milieu.
This record encapsulates the convergence of two veteran artists whose careers have profoundly influenced noise, industrial, and experimental music across multiple decades. JK Flesh, having carved out a niche that veers away from the metallic riffs prominent in his earlier bands, channels minimalistic yet oppressive electronic rhythms, positioning the project in the lineage of industrial innovators such as Surgeon or Ancient Methods. Monrella’s contributions, meanwhile, weave in elements tapping into the darker corners of acid techno and harsh industrial beats, echoing some of the raw energy found in early works by artists like Regis or early Mark Stewart productions. The collaborative nature of SHOUTING THE ODDS offers an immersive experience that appeals equally to aficionados of experimental electronic music and industrial sound design.
The album’s release on vinyl includes a limited coloured edition, catering to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile dimension of music consumption alongside digital formats and CDs. This choice underscores Give / Take’s dedication to supporting independent artists within less conventional sonic territories, emphasizing high-quality pressings that maintain the visceral impact of the music. The carefully curated tracklist showcases each artist’s unique approach: JK Flesh’s side methodically builds tension with tracks like “CONDITIONAL” and “DISAGREEABLE,” suffused with his trademark industrial textures, while Monrella’s selections such as “NIGHT BEFORE RAKE” and “DOUBLE RED” enhance the record’s dynamic range with a gritty, acid-infused edge.
The partnership between Justin Broadrick and Mick Harris not only bridges their mutual Birmingham heritage but also illustrates the persistence of a certain ethos within underground electronic music—an ethos leaning towards experimentation, texture, and atmospheric density rather than mainstream accessibility. This album can also interest listeners who follow the trajectory of post-metal and experimental techno crossovers, drawing slight parallels to projects like Andy Stott’s darker electronic explorations or the abrasive rhythms of Perc. SHOUTING THE ODDS stands out for its uncompromising energy and its capacity to distill years of sonic experimentation into a focused, vibrant record.
For those tracking independent label releases and contemporary underground electronic scenes, this LP marks a significant milestone. The collaboration highlights how artists rooted in rock and metal can continue to redefine their creative boundaries through electronic music, without forsaking the intensity and emotional weight that characterize their earlier work. The release also reflects the fertile ground that the Give / Take label cultivates around experimental and industrial sounds, contributing to the broader discourse on how independent music platforms can introduce complex, highly textured records to discerning audiences looking beyond mainstream genres.
In sum, SHOUTING THE ODDS by JK Flesh and Monrella is a vital entry in the evolving landscape of industrial techno. It engages listeners who appreciate a blend of noise, acid distortion, and uncompromising electronic sound design. This album is set to attract a niche but dedicated audience, including those drawn to the work of industrial techno contemporaries and veterans, while enriching the catalogues of vinyl collectors keen on exploring the intersections between noise, techno, and experimental electronic music.
