Six Finger Satellite, Clone Theory (12" EP)

1996's Clone Theory was meant as a companion piece to the excellent Paranormalized LP. It emphasized the group's more abstract side, as the (vaguely) more accessible rock songs were routed to the album. Clone Theory reminds me a bit of early Cabaret Voltaire—in some places melody and structure are emphasized, while others focus more on dark electronic concepts. "Ich Weil Nacht" (I think they meant "will", for want, not "weil" for because) falls somewhere in the middle, with mistranslated German lyrics poking out from the din. The propulsive rock drumming gives an anchor, both structurally and in emotional content, and it results in a vaguely more accessible record than some of its antecedents. While Paranormalized has a fascinating and stylized cover, Clone Theory looks far more primitive. Apart from a slightly bright frequency balance, it does sound clean and good, more conventionally "good" than 1995's powerful Severe Exposure.