Turn to Red/Almost Red
Killing Joke · 1979
17 min · 4 tracks · new wave
A raw fusion of post-punk energy and industrial soundscapes, echoing the chaos of late 1970s Britain.
Top tracks — play these first
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Almost Red — The opening track combines haunting melodies with driving rhythms, setting the tone for the EP's exploration of existential themes and urban angst.
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Turn to Red — This track stands out with its intense vocal delivery and aggressive instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature blend of energy and atmosphere.
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Nervous System — With its mechanical beats and layered textures, this song encapsulates the industrial influences that would come to define Killing Joke's later work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This EP showcases a raw energy and innovative sound that helped define early post-punk.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Almost Red', opens with a driving bass line and layered guitar riffs that set a tense atmosphere.
- Each song features a consistent use of repetitive rhythms and stark vocal delivery, creating an urgent and raw sound.
- The EP concludes with 'Turn to Red', which escalates in intensity, featuring a climactic build-up that contrasts with the more subdued earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This EP introduced Killing Joke's innovative sound, establishing their presence in post-punk.
- Career context
- Released in early 1979, 'Turn to Red/Almost Red' marked Killing Joke's debut EP, introducing their innovative sound just as the post-punk movement began gaining momentum. The band was emerging from London’s underground scene, poised to influence a generation with their unique blend of gothic rock and industrial elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ministry· Godflesh· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Almost Red 3:52
- 2 Nervous System 4:20
- 3 Are You Receiving 4:59
- 4 Turn to Red 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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