Recoilprodukt “Collapse” Review and Interview

An aggressively-paced sonic sequel, Recoilprodukt’s “Collapse” ups the ante while diving deeper into the three-album apocalyptic narrative.

Collapse EP Review

It feels like almost no time at all has passed since Recoilprodukt dropped the first EP in their three-part exploration of catastrophe & rebirth, and yet here we are, with another release. Much like with part one, Morbidly Beautiful had the privilege to receive the advance screening of Collapse, the full-throttle, wholly aggressive sequel to Catalyst.

As mentioned in our previous review, Recoilprodukt, a dark electronic record label, has been in the biz since 1984, unassumingly releasing bespoke EBM and industrial music for discerning audiophiles. For reference, Depeche Mode’s breakthrough album, Some Great Reward, also came out that same year, right when electronic music began gaining a foothold.

Whereas Catalyst was akin to a book’s prologue, gradually easing us into this post-apocalyptic nightmare, Collapse is what happens when the protective gear is removed — no safe word, no security railing, no more hand-holding — just aggressive sample-laden industrial music that doesn’t give a damn if you’re in danger.

It also must be stated that, like Catalyst before it, Collapse is more than just music.

It also continues the narrative introduced in Catalyst, delving further into the great calamity that befell mankind. The EP gives us four tracks: two versions of the title track (Raw Mix & Ablative Mix), as well as B-sides Moloch and Second Impact.

Both versions of Collapse have something to offer, but I feel that the Ablative Mix is the standout.

Propulsive, noisy without being noise, carried along by an unrelenting beat, it is a stomping beast of a song. Nothing is lost in the mix, including the narrative elements that continue the overarching story. In fact, the turnabout from the previous interview found in Catalyst, where it’s the scientists who are now the ones suffering, makes me smile from ear to ear.

With a bassline that resembles Front Line Assembly just beneath the surface, the Ablative Mix transports us back to the early 1980s, when Skinny Puppy, Front 242, and other industrial artists were making similar recordings.

That’s not to say that the Raw Mix isn’t worth mentioning. More sinister in nature than the Ablative Mix, it is a percussive-centric track, the drums akin to an ancient machine that refuses to be silenced. It is also, IMO, the track that bears the most similarities to Catalyst. They could be played back-to-back without feeling disjointed.

In fact, I hope that, at the culmination of this three-part series, Recoilprodukt offers up a track that seamlessly connects all of the narratives into one longer recording, telling the story from start to finish.

But, where this EP truly shines is with the B-sides.

First up is Moloch — all analog synths and classic samplers, with a smattering of military-themed samples floating in and out. In all honesty, Moloch reminds me of very early VNV Nation before they moved to a more refined, melodic sound. Seeing as they’re my favorite band, this is no light praise. I love the gnarly EBM feel, the nearly subsonic bassline, and the fact that it doesn’t meander into harmonious synth territory in the middle like other electro-tracks generally do.

Seriously, if Recoilprodukt ever felt like doing a retro album of CLASSIC industrial music, something like this would fit right in.

And then there’s Second Impact, which is my favorite of the new tracks by far.

The pulsing crossfades, the avalanche bass, the insistent (and at times arrhythmic) beat — the sampler work here is second to none. It oscillates above and behind the rest of the music, like a specter always moving, shifting in and out of reality.

The AI-generated samples also happen to be from a unique Natalie Portman film, and bonus points to you, dear reader, if you recognize them.

It’s rare to use the term “juggernaut” when speaking about a song, but it fits Second Impact. Do you feel like driving angrily? Pushing yourself while exercising? Hitting the dancefloor at an industrial club? This is the track you’ll want to spin; it is EXACTLY how sample-driven industrial music should sound.

As I mentioned to Riꓘ (frontman for Recoilprodukt) in our correspondence, these are the kinds of songs I was hoping for when he first reached out to Morbidly Beautiful. Now, that’s not to say I was anything but impressed with Catalyst. I truly love that song, as well as the Blush Response rework. But… there’s truly something special about the Collapse EP.

Brimming with confidence, the songs just explode off the starting line, each firing on all cylinders. This is the kind of music I listen to on a daily, and the songs featured on this EP will slot right into my existing playlists.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the EP’s stellar artwork. In addition to creating and producing music, Riꓘ is also a rather accomplished graphic designer, and he outdid himself with the design. Just the right amount of bizarre, creepy, and beautiful. The image is totally something I would print out on metal and hang up somewhere in my house.

The official release date for Catalyst was May 24, 2024. However, Recoilprodukt is doing things a bit differently. Only one track from the album will be available to stream on all platforms. The rest will ONLY be available as exclusives to fans via their Patreon. Patrons also receive an exclusive CD of all the tracks from our “CATALYST” trilogy releases up to this date, including REWORK MIXES.

Artist/Label Spotlight

In addition to reviewing the music itself, I wanted to take a moment to throw Riꓘ some follow-on questions about Recoilprodukt, the record label releasing the three-part EP series. I’m always fascinated to learn how people started in the music biz, especially those on the other side of the curtain. Yes, the artists themselves deserve attention, but without a label, a studio, and (quite frequently) a producer, music simply wouldn’t be made. Or not in a way that would generally be successful, at least.

(For the previous interview questions, see our comprehensive review of the Catalyst EP here.)

MB: Now that Catalyst has been out in the wild for a few months, how do you feel about how it was received? What was the takeaway from returning to the music scene with part one of a three-part music/narrative journey?

RP: It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the response from those who have embraced the concept of this series and eagerly delved into the world presented in the Catalyst series. The fusion of music and storytelling has allowed me to connect with audiences on a deeper level, sparking conversations and emotions that go beyond just listening to a song.

It’s also been a reminder of the power of collaboration and creativity. Working on a multi-part project with remixes has opened the way to collaborative efforts between artists such as Blush Response. I’m also working with other lesser-known artists from around the world. Each exchange brings unique perspectives and talents to the mix. The synergy between these different creative forces has been elevating and inspiring.

Overall, the reception to Catalyst has exceeded expectations. What’s particularly gratifying is the diverse range of praise it’s received; the Blush Response remix and the cinematic Origin mix both earned high ratings.

It’s been rewarding to see how the two completely contrasting tracks resonated with audiences. And I’m deeply grateful for the support and enthusiasm it has garnered.

Returning to the music scene with this three-part journey has been an energizing, enjoyable experience, and I’m excited to see where the final leg of the journey takes it all, with Remnant closing the saga.

MB: While Catalyst was, in your words, a “hello world” offering, Collapse feels quite different. How were the creation and recording processes different this time around? What changed as far as your mindset and approach?

RP: That’s a great question, Jack! From the beginning, I sort of had this feeling that the first release would be holding back a bit so the second could hit harder.

I know I had a couple of solid cuts, but I really took a long time to build the title track. I wanted to blend the wild chaos of the apocalypse while still having the percussion push the track forward — something you could move with while being washed over by the wave. So, Collapse went through over a dozen iterations and more mixes before I ended up going with the very first RAW version.

On the first release, Joey (of Blush Response) also really filled the bill for the hard edge with his rework of Catalyst. On this second outing, the tracks follow that path much closer with my version of industrial and EBM noise. I also always seem to bring some of my influence from the things I recorded or heard in the 80s and 90s.

The cover art for the first vinyl is very in line with the Catalyst storyline… humans messing with things they don’t understand and reaping the outcome — but there’s also a slight nod to the collaboration on the tracks — two scientists in lab coats working away.

This second release’s cover artwork is less literal. The beauty of the butterfly fused with a human skull… a spattering of blood across its wings. All hint at nature having been tinkered with, corrupted, and turning deadly. There is also a tie here and on “Second Impact” with mutation, which will be featured in the series’ final chapter.

MB: How much impact (pun intended) do you feel that streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp, and other similar platforms have had on independent music artists and labels? Conversely, considering that you choose to release vinyl recordings (much to my delight, might I add), what are your overall thoughts on digital vs. physical media?

RP: Ha! Well, the “impact” of streaming services on independent artists and labels cannot be overstated in that they have provided unparalleled access to a global audience, allowing independent musicians and labels to share their music with listeners from all corners of the world. These platforms offer a level playing field, enabling them to reach audiences that were previously out of reach.

That being said, the rise of streaming has also posed challenges for independent artists in terms of revenue and visibility. While streaming offers exposure, the financial returns can be minimal, particularly for smaller artists. Additionally, the algorithm-driven nature of these platforms can make it difficult for independent musicians to stand out amidst the noise.

I mentioned in the last interview that I’d been contemplating moving away from digital platforms. I’m slowly doing that by opening only select cuts for streaming and downloading. The rest will only be available on curated physical products and whatever online platform works to build an exclusive community that really wants what Recoilprodukt creates.

Patreon is the obvious choice for now.

This is where all tracks from the Collapse release will be accessible as a Patreon exclusive, along with alternate track versions, remixes, and some backstory on how the final tracks were formed. There is also a CD with all the tracks released and unreleased from the Catalyst series up to this point.

This signed CD will go out to anyone joining Recoilprodukt on Patreon.

When I realized how expensive it was to ship 12” records, I moved to only releasing them at real-world events. I’ve been organizing these in collaboration with partners experienced in hosting sexy/elegant social events; it’s much more fun and rewarding doing it this way than packing and shipping boxes at the post office. The vinyl we’re producing is limited-run and has sold out at each presale event we’ve held.

As for the digital versus physical media debate, I believe there’s value in both formats. I love having digital playlists on my phone, for example. However, there’s something irreplaceable about the tactile experience of physical media, particularly vinyl. Vinyl records offer a tangible connection to the music, with their artwork, liner notes, and warm sound quality creating a truly unique listener experience.

For me, releasing vinyl recordings is a return to my heritage. It’s about more than just the music; it’s about creating a rare physical art piece that fans can cherish and collect. And judging by the response so far, there’s still a strong appetite for vinyl in an increasingly digital world.

https://www.patreon.com/recoilprodukt

MB: What do you hope listeners will take away from the Collapse EP? What is present here that maybe wasn’t present in the Catalyst release?

RP: With Collapse, I hope to present a visceral and unflinching taste of the post-apocalyptic world hinted at with Catalyst. For some context, there’s one track I did with Psyche back in 1985 called Waiting For The Stranger. It happened so fast… in one take, actually. We all kinda stood there, stunned and silent. I rolled the tape back and hit play. What came out of the speakers gave me literal chills.

It was so unapologetically raw, real, and hard — no pretense or forethought whatsoever. I think there’s this underlying desire to create pieces that elicit that same type of experience for my listeners. With Collapse, I want you to feel the weight of uncertainty and chaos and sense the possibilities that can come out of the ashes of that chaos.

This also fits to the story’s protagonist arc. Enduring her own personal torments only now to be thrown into a literal apocalypse… albeit one she foresaw. Still, amidst this horror unleashed, our main character survives. In the story’s arc, we now see a moment of stark clarity in surviving cataclysmic hopelessness and chaos. Flayed to the bone and still standing defiantly and looking at the whirlwind in raw truth that pierces through the very fabric of our existence and rising above.

Even brief encounters with that leave an indelible mark. That’s part of what will be explored in the final Remnant release.

MB: Without delving into spoiler territory, what can you tell us about the third and final entry in this narrative arc? When is it expected to be released? Will you be doing the artwork again, and maybe the feel or tone of the music?

RP: I can say the third installment will culminate in another reversal, offering a very dark turn. 😉

It’s titled Remnant and will be released in August. I find it interesting that I completed the cover art for the third release before the others. In fact, it helped inspire the series’ overarching storyline.

So far, I have two tracks that will hopefully make it onto the third release. I’m still playing with the vibe and sounds, so that may change. I do feel the final release will likely be very different in sound when compared against the first two releases.