Incontinent
Fad Gadget · 1981
46 min · 9 tracks · new wave
A visceral blend of electronic dissonance and sardonic lyricism that captures the chaotic spirit of early '80s new wave.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blind Eyes — Opening the album with an unsettling soundscape, this track sets a tone of discomfort blended with sharp social commentary on perception and blindness to harsh realities.
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Incontinent — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of vulnerability and loss of control through its frenetic energy and stark lyrical imagery.
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Diminished Responsibility — This song stands out for its biting critique of societal expectations and personal accountability, showcasing Fad Gadget's knack for blending irony with poignant observation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of electronic dissonance and sardonic lyrics captures early '80s new wave but may not resonate widely today.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features a steady electronic pulse, gradually layering dissonant sounds and vocal effects that create an unsettling atmosphere.
- Several tracks employ abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Incontinent', which shifts from a driving beat to a more chaotic soundscape midway through.
- Lyrically, the songs often feature spoken word elements interspersed with sung lines, creating a jarring contrast that enhances the themes of alienation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Incontinent was Fad Gadget's second album, following his debut, Fireside Favourite, released in 1980. By this point, he was beginning to carve a niche for himself in the burgeoning new wave scene, gaining attention for his provocative performances and innovative use of synthesizers.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Depeche Mode· Gary Numan· Soft Cell
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blind Eyes 5:04
- 2 Swallow It 5:42
- 3 Saturday Night Special 6:39
- 4 Incontinent 3:27
- 5 Manual Dexterity 3:35
- 6 Innocent Bystander 6:32
- 7 King of the Flies 4:26
- 8 Diminished Responsibility 5:53
- 9 Plain Clothes 4:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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