JK Flesh / Surgeon Nothing Is Free

Black country overlord Justin K Broadrick (Jesu, Godflesh) blesses Regis’ Downwards fiefdom with two tracks and a tightly sprung rework by Surgeon.

Downwards have really picked the foulest iterations of a grim set for vinyl release, inscribing the industrial-strength torque of Nothing Is Free - which sounds like early Kode 9 battered by Shapednoise - at 45rpm across the front face, and branding the knuckling 808 snares and distended electro bass blow out of Kontorted on its backside.

Surgeon’s remix of the title tune ranks among his best in many years. Trace elements of the original are extruded thru modular kit and remodelled on a bouncing, swerving techno chassis recalling BMB and CUB classics, but streaked with sirens and vamped by a marching brass refrain that’s just spoiling for war.

The release marks a long overdue overlap between Downwards’ and Broadrick’s interrelated industrial, noise and techno circles. Broadrick was the original drummer for Napalm Death on their Scum (1987) album, before forming the legendary Godflesh, and carving out an oeuvre as one of the most feared and respected musicians to emerge from Birmingham and the UK ever since.