The Choke by Coil; A Tapestry Woven with Eerie Textures and Mechanical Grooves
Coil was never a band for casual listening. They were alchemists of sound, weaving intricate tapestries from industrial clatter, ethereal ambience, and John Balance’s unmistakable, haunting vocals. Emerging from the post-punk scene in the early 1980s, Coil transcended genre classifications, becoming something entirely unique – a sonic exploration of darkness, ritualism, and the human condition.
Released in 1999 on their album “Black Antlers,” “The Choke” stands as a testament to Coil’s unsettling genius. Clocking in at over ten minutes, the track unfolds like a slow-burning descent into madness. A pulsating bassline anchors the piece, while metallic clanks and whirring machinery paint a desolate industrial landscape. Balance’s voice, distorted and otherworldly, chants cryptic lyrics about choking on existence, echoing through the cavernous soundscape.
The opening moments are deceptively serene. A shimmering synth pad washes over the listener, creating an illusion of calm before the storm. But as the track progresses, the intensity builds gradually. Layers of distorted guitar feedback and harsh industrial noises begin to emerge, weaving a web of unsettling tension. The rhythmic pulse becomes more insistent, driving forward with a relentless energy that borders on claustrophobic.
One cannot discuss Coil without mentioning their enigmatic frontman, John Balance. A complex figure who struggled with mental illness throughout his life, Balance poured his inner turmoil into Coil’s music. His lyrics often explored themes of death, sexuality, and spiritual transformation, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as occultism, alchemy, and Jungian psychology.
Balance’s voice was the unmistakable heart of Coil, a haunting instrument capable of conveying a range of emotions, from ethereal beauty to gut-wrenching despair. On “The Choke,” his vocals are heavily processed, creating a sense of otherworldly detachment. The lyrics, sparse yet evocative, speak of surrendering to forces beyond our control:
“Choking on the black antler / Choking on the sacred wine / Choking on the serpent’s tongue / I am falling, falling behind”
This refrain underscores the track’s sense of helplessness and surrender, capturing the feeling of being overwhelmed by unseen forces.
Peter Christopherson, Coil’s other founding member, played a crucial role in shaping their sound. A master sound designer and producer, Christopherson brought his technical expertise to bear on Coil’s music, creating intricate soundscapes that blurred the lines between organic and synthetic. His use of tape loops, sampled sounds, and experimental recording techniques contributed significantly to Coil’s distinctive sonic palette.
Deconstructing “The Choke”: A Deeper Dive into its Musical Landscape
To truly appreciate “The Choke,” one needs to delve deeper into its musical architecture. Here’s a breakdown of some key elements that contribute to the track’s unsettling power:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Rhythm: | A relentless, pulsating bassline anchors the piece, driving forward with an insistent energy. The rhythm is often irregular, adding to the sense of unease. |
| Melody: | Melodies are sparse and often fragmented, emerging from the industrial textures rather than leading them. Balance’s vocal melodies are haunting and otherworldly. |
| Harmony: | The track features dissonant harmonies and unconventional chord progressions, creating a sense of tension and unease. |
| Timbre: | Coil expertly utilizes a wide range of timbres, from metallic clanks and industrial noises to ethereal synth pads and distorted guitar feedback. |
| Texture: | The overall texture is dense and layered, with multiple sonic elements intertwining to create a rich and unsettling soundscape. |
The Enduring Legacy of Coil and “The Choke”
Tragically, John Balance passed away in 2004. His death marked the end of Coil as a musical entity, but their legacy continues to inspire and intrigue listeners. “The Choke,” with its haunting melody, unsettling lyrics, and masterful sound design, remains a chilling testament to Coil’s singular vision.
It is not music for the faint of heart. It is an experience that requires patience and an openness to confronting darker emotions. But for those willing to embark on this sonic journey, “The Choke” offers a glimpse into the depths of human experience and the power of sound to evoke profound emotional responses.