Outside the Gate
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| Outside the Gate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 27 June 1988 | |||
| Recorded | July–August 1987 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | ||||
| Length | 38:00 (original release) 50:32 (reissue with bonus tracks) | |||
| Label | E.G., Virgin | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Killing Joke chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Outside the Gate | ||||
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Outside the Gate is the seventh studio album by English post-punk band Killing Joke, released in June 1988 by E.G. via Virgin Records worldwide. It was a significant stylistic departure for the band, with complex synthesised (orchestra influenced) arrangements and less prominent guitar.[2] Tensions within the band surfaced during pre-production. Drummer Paul Ferguson was dismissed at the beginning of the sessions and replaced by a studio musician while bassist Paul Raven took part to the recording but ultimately asked his name to be withdrawn from the credits for major disagreement over artistic content.[3] The lead single was "America".
Production, sleeve, promotion and aftermath
[edit]In 1987, the band recorded new material written and produced by singer Jaz Coleman and guitarist Geordie Walker. The tempos and time signatures of the music were determined using gematria.[4] It also featured prominent synthesised instrumentation from Coleman, who was keen to use the symphonic techniques he had learned in his recent classical composition training.[5]
Drummer Paul Ferguson initially attempted to record drums but, according to Coleman, was ejected because he was unable to perform the complex material to the required standard. This version of events was later rejected by Paul Raven, who stated: "I know Paul and when he does something he does it properly. If it wasn't right he would have stayed there 'til it was".[3] Session player Jimmy Copley was brought in to re-record the drums with Jeff Scantlebury for additional percussion. Raven departed shortly afterwards and asked for his name to be removed from the album credits, purportedly calling Coleman and Walker "a pair of ego-strokers".[3] Multiple overdubs were undertaken after the departure of Ferguson and Raven.[3]
A picture collage of Coleman and Walker appears on the album sleeve and the pair promoted the album with no other band members. In an interview for MTV in the UK, in May 1988, the pair stated their intention to support Outside the Gate with a tour. Coleman also stated of the album's new style that they "wanted a more articulate funky powerful rhythm" and that "as long as [he is] alive and as long as Geordie is alive, Killing Joke is alive."[6]
Ferguson has retrospectively suggested Outside the Gate began as a solo project by Coleman.[7] In an interview given in 2016, he stated that costs mounted during production, leading to the record label insisting that the project become a Killing Joke album, though he and Raven did not participate in the writing.[7]
Release and critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
| PopMatters | 2/10[1] |
| MusicHound Rock | |
| Select | |
Outside the Gate was not released until 27 June 1988 and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 92, staying for just one week.[11] It was panned by critics. Sounds said of the album: "It's a stodgy, inconclusive LP that fails in all but the most basic of senses to achieve its end, leaving us feeling soured and unimpressed".[12] NME shared the same point of view and depicted it as "a private breakfast of ideas, depicting poor old Jaz wading through quicksand with his jeans rolled down yet again. Worse ... he seems to be wandering off in exactly the same direction".[13] Retrospective reviews have remained largely negative; David Jeffries of AllMusic said that "pallid synths poorly imitate orchestras, the complex song structures are just tedious, Coleman acts as if he's Freddie Mercury and David Bowie mashed together, and none of the throb, thunder or heavy riffage so important to the Killing Joke name is to be found."[2] Adrien Begrand of PopMatters called it simply "disastrous".[1]
The album was not promoted with any gigs and was not even released in the USA.[14] Two singles, "America" and "My Love of This Land", were released but did little to improve its fortunes. The video for the former song featured Coleman and Walker along with drummer Copley and session bassist Jerome Rimson, who did not actually record or play live with the band.[15]
Due to poor sales, Virgin dropped the group two months after the release of the album. In 2008, the album was re-released with bonus tracks, including rough mixes of some songs. The previously unreleased track "May Day" was re-written as parts of "The Calling" and "Tiahuanaco" for the final album. The original release was dedicated to Conny Plank, who had produced several Killing Joke records, after his death in 1987. The 2008 reissue was dedicated to Raven, following his death the previous year.
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "America" | 3:47 |
| 2. | "My Love of This Land" | 4:13 |
| 3. | "Stay One Jump Ahead" | 3:10 |
| 4. | "Unto the Ends of the Earth" | 6:08 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Calling" | 4:45 |
| 2. | "Obsession" | 3:35 |
| 3. | "Tiahuanaco" | 3:27 |
| 4. | "Outside the Gate" | 8:47 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 9. | "America" (Extended Mix) | 6:47 |
| 10. | "Stay One Jump Ahead" (Extended Mix) | 5:46 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 9. | "May Day" | 3:50 |
| 10. | "My Love of This Land" (Early Version) | 4:16 |
| 11. | "Obsession" (Early Version) | 3:48 |
| 12. | "Unto the Ends of the Earth" (Instrumental) | 6:07 |
| 13. | "Jihad" | 6:03 |
| 14. | "America" (Extended Mix) | 6:47 |
| 15. | "Stay One Jump Ahead" (Dub) | 3:30 |
Personnel
[edit]- Killing Joke
- Jaz Coleman – vocals, keyboards, piano, production
- Kevin "Geordie" Walker – guitar, bass guitar, production
- Paul Raven – bass guitar (uncredited)
- Additional personnel
- Jimmy Copley – drums
- Jeff Scantlebury – percussion
- Technical
- Martin Rex – recording engineer
- Glenn Skinner – mixing
- Bill Smith Studio – sleeve design
- Fil Le Gonidec – crew
Charts
[edit]| Year | Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | UK Albums Chart | 92[11] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Begrand, Adrien (30 April 2008). "Fun & Games: Killing Joke in the Mid-'80s". PopMatters. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
- ^ a b c Jeffries, David. "Outside the Gate – Killing Joke [review]". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d Smith, Mat (14 May 1988). "Killing Joke [Paul Raven interview]". Melody Maker.
- ^ Killing Joke (1989). The Courtauld Talks (album). Invisible Records.
- ^ Coleman, Jaz (2013). Letters from Cythera. The Order of Kaph. p. 348.
- ^ "Killing Joke interview -Coleman and Walker on MTV". Youtube. May 1988. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- ^ a b Rahman The Writer (6 October 2016). "Interview: Big Paul Ferguson from Killing Joke". Louder Than War. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2007). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195313734.
- ^ Holtje, Steve (1999). "Killing Joke". In Graff, Gary; Durchholz, Daniel (eds.). MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide (loan required). Detroit: Visible Ink Press. pp. 629–630. ISBN 978-1-57859-061-2 – via the Internet Archive.
- ^ Perry, Neil (July 1991). "Killing Joke". Select. p. 86.
- ^ a b "Outside the Gate". Official Charts. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
- ^ King, Sam (25 June 1988). "The Joke Backfires [Outside The Gate review]". Sounds Magazine.
- ^ Ellen, Barbara (23 July 1988). "Thrilling Bloke [Outside The Gate review]". NME.
The latest album - 'Outside The Gate'- carries on the new, less honed tradition. It is a private breakfast of ideas, depicting poor old Jaz wading through quicksand with his jeans rolled down yet again. Worse ... he seems to be wandering off in exactly the same direction.
- ^ "Outside the Gate". Discogs. Retrieved 2 May 2019
- ^ "Jerome Rimson: Bass Guitarist, Author of the book Renegade". Phil Brodie Band. Retrieved 15 February 2008.
External links
[edit]- Raven's version of events from this period
- Outside the Gate at Discogs (list of releases)
Outside the Gate
View on GrokipediaBackground
Band's Mid-1980s Evolution
Killing Joke formed in late 1979 in a Notting Hill squat in London, consisting of vocalist and keyboardist Jaz Coleman, drummer Paul Ferguson, guitarist Geordie Walker, and bassist Martin "Youth" Glover. The band's early sound blended post-punk aggression with industrial experimentation, characterized by abrasive rhythms, distorted guitars, and themes of societal collapse and political urgency. Their debut self-titled album in 1980 established this raw aesthetic, followed by What's THIS For...! in 1981, which featured intense tracks like "The Fall of Because" and intensified their reputation for confrontational live performances. By Revelations in 1982, the group had refined their sound into a more tribal post-punk style, incorporating percussion-driven grooves that echoed dub and world rhythms while maintaining a dark, prophetic edge.[4][5] In the mid-1980s, Killing Joke underwent a significant stylistic shift toward electronic and atmospheric elements, influenced by Coleman's deepening fascination with occultism, numerology, and esoteric philosophies. After Youth departed following Revelations, bassist Paul Raven joined for Fire Dances (1983), which explored mystical themes amid a slightly more polished production. This evolution accelerated with Night Time (1985), introducing prominent synth layers and hooks that broadened their appeal, as heard in the hit "Eighties." The pivotal Brighter Than a Thousand Suns (1986) marked a bold incorporation of synthesizers and electronic textures, drawing on Coleman's interests in global spiritual traditions and apocalyptic visions to create a more expansive, almost cinematic sound that diverged from their punk roots.[4][6][5] These changes were shaped by personal upheavals, including Coleman's abrupt relocation to Iceland in 1982 amid fears of an impending nuclear apocalypse, where he was soon joined by Walker; this episode, during which Coleman briefly pursued classical composition, infused the band's work with a sense of experimental urgency and detachment from conventional rock structures. However, internal tensions escalated after the 1986 tour supporting Brighter Than a Thousand Suns. Drummer Paul Ferguson grew frustrated with the increasing reliance on electronics and the shift away from the band's aggressive foundations, leading to his departure. Bassist Paul Raven similarly expressed dissatisfaction with the direction, quitting shortly thereafter and highlighting fractures that would influence the lineup instability heading into subsequent recordings.[7][4][8]Conception and Lineup Changes
In 1987, Killing Joke frontman Jaz Coleman envisioned Outside the Gate as a solo project, collaborating closely with guitarist Geordie Walker to explore new musical territories, but the record label insisted on releasing it under the band's name to capitalize on their established identity. This decision stemmed from ongoing tensions within the group, as the album's shift toward synth-pop elements represented a stark contrast to their signature industrial rock sound, leading to significant friction among the members. The core duo of Coleman and Walker drove the creative process, emphasizing atmospheric keyboards and intricate arrangements that diverged from the band's aggressive, riff-driven past.[3][9] These internal conflicts culminated in major lineup disruptions during the project's early stages. Drummer Paul Ferguson was dismissed shortly after sessions began, reportedly due to his inability to adapt to the album's more complex and nuanced rhythms, which demanded a departure from the band's traditional percussive intensity. He was replaced by session drummer Jimmy Copley, whose contributions helped realize the material's polished, electronic-leaning percussion. Bassist Paul Raven participated in initial recordings but grew disillusioned with the synth-pop direction, ultimately requesting that his name be removed from the credits to distance himself from the final product.[10][1] With Ferguson and Raven out, Coleman and Walker relied on session support to complete the album, solidifying their partnership as the project's anchor amid the band's instability. This realignment allowed the duo to pursue their vision unhindered, though it exacerbated the group's fractures and contributed to a temporary disbandment following the release. The changes underscored the album's status as a pivotal, if contentious, evolution in Killing Joke's trajectory.[11][3]Recording and Production
Sessions and Techniques
The recording sessions for Outside the Gate took place primarily in July 1987 at The Whitehouse and Eden Studios in London, with the Steinway grand piano on track 8 recorded at Abbey Road Studios and bonus tracks recorded at Terminal 24 in December 1987.[2][12] Produced by vocalist and keyboardist Jaz Coleman and guitarist Geordie Walker, the project originated as Coleman's solo endeavor but was released under the Killing Joke name following label intervention.[3] Due to lineup instability during this period, session musicians were brought in to complete the album.[13] The production emphasized a shift toward a synth-pop aesthetic, with heavy reliance on synthesizers to create layered, electronic textures that largely supplanted the band's earlier aggressive guitar riffs and traditional drum kits.[3] Walker's guitar contributions were present but subdued, focusing on atmospheric support rather than dominance, while drums were handled by session player Jimmy Copley, who provided intricate rhythmic patterns to underpin the melodic structures.[1] Percussionist Jeff Scantlebury also contributed, adding subtle elements to enhance the overall sound.[1] Mixing was overseen by Glenn Skinner, with recording engineered by Martin Rex, resulting in a polished finish that prioritized melodic and atmospheric qualities over the raw intensity of prior Killing Joke releases.[14] Mastering by Arun Chakraverty at Abbey Road further refined the album's expansive, ethereal tone, balancing electronic elements with vocal clarity to evoke a sense of otherworldly serenity.[1] This approach marked a deliberate evolution in the band's studio techniques, aligning with Coleman's interest in esoteric influences to shape the album's compositions.[15]Artwork and Sleeve Design
The cover artwork for Outside the Gate is a picture collage featuring Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker, designed by Bill Smith Studio. This visual choice aligns with the band's exploration of isolation and spiritual boundaries during their mid-1980s evolution. The image's stark, otherworldly composition contrasts the duo's minimal lineup, emphasizing a sense of vast emptiness. International releases featured variations, such as the UK picture disc edition with etched artwork replicating the cover imagery, and regional pressings in Germany and Japan with localized catalog numbers and minor label adjustments. The 2008 Virgin reissue included an updated booklet with expanded liner notes by Tony Raven, providing historical context on the recording while retaining the original artwork. These editions preserved the core visual identity across formats, from vinyl to CD.[1] Sleeve notes credit solely Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker for production and performance, honoring the departed members Paul Ferguson and Paul Raven's requests to be omitted following their exits from the band. This deliberate minimalism underscores the album's status as a core duo project amid lineup instability.Release and Promotion
Singles
The lead single from Outside the Gate was "America", released on 18 April 1988 by E.G. Records in 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats.[16] The 7-inch version featured "Jihad" as the B-side, while the 12-inch included an extended mix of the A-side, the B-side track, and an instrumental version.[17] The single peaked at number 77 on the UK Singles Chart but failed to achieve significant commercial success elsewhere.[18] A music video accompanied "America", presenting satirical imagery of American culture with frontman Jaz Coleman depicted as an unhinged figure in an Uncle Sam costume amid dystopian scenes.[19] The clip highlighted the band's evolving synth-pop sound, which was emphasized in promotional efforts including radio airplay and press materials distributed to media outlets.[1] "My Love of This Land" followed as the second single on 4 July 1988, available in 7-inch, 10-inch limited edition, and 12-inch vinyl formats.[20] The 7-inch B-side was "Darkness Before Dawn", while the 12-inch offered additional tracks such as a dub version of "Follow the Leaders" and a live rendition of "Pssyche".[21] The song's lyrics focused on themes of nationalism, evoking imagery of England's "green and pleasant land" in a reflective tone.[22] It reached number 89 on the UK Singles Chart.[23] No music video was produced for this release. Due to the underwhelming reception of both singles and the album, no additional singles were issued from Outside the Gate.[1]Commercial Release and Performance
Outside the Gate was released on 27 June 1988 by E.G. Records in conjunction with Virgin Records for worldwide distribution, excluding an initial United States edition due to ongoing label disputes that ultimately led to the band's separation from Virgin shortly after launch.[1][9] The album appeared in standard formats including vinyl LP, compact cassette, and compact disc, alongside a limited picture disc variant to appeal to collectors.[1] In 2008, E.G. Records issued a remastered edition on CD, expanding the tracklist with bonus material such as B-sides like "May Day" and early versions of songs including "My Love of This Land," alongside demo recordings to provide deeper insight into the album's development.[24] Promotion for the album was notably restrained, hampered by internal band conflicts that prevented any supporting tour or extensive live performances; instead, efforts centered on radio airplay and the prior release of singles to drive visibility.[9] Commercially, Outside the Gate achieved modest results, entering the UK Albums Chart at number 92 and remaining there for only one week, while international sales remained low, underscoring the polarizing shift in the band's sound.[25]Musical Content
Style and Composition
Outside the Gate marks a significant genre shift for Killing Joke, moving away from their earlier industrial and post-punk roots toward synth-pop and new wave, characterized by melodic synth layers and accessible pop structures that prioritize hooks over the band's prior aggression.[10][3] This evolution is evident in the album's glossy production and keyboard-driven arrangements, contrasting the raw, riff-heavy sound of previous works like What's THIS For...!.[9] Thematically, the album explores occultism, alienation, and nationalism, with lyrics critiquing American imperialism and British post-imperial decline amid a sense of societal exclusion.[10][9] Songs address global capitalism's impacts and spiritual disconnection, often framed through Jaz Coleman's esoteric lens, including brief use of gematria to derive rhythmic structures.[3] These elements create an introspective narrative of being "outside the gate," blending personal alienation with broader geopolitical commentary.[9] Instrumentation emphasizes dominant synthesizers and programmed drums, with sparse, reverb-drenched guitars providing atmospheric texture rather than forefront aggression, fostering a goth-influenced, introspective sound.[3][9] Layered keyboards and occasional sampled elements draw from 1980s electronica and world music influences, such as Andean motifs in certain tracks, enhancing the album's dreamlike quality.[10] Most tracks average 4 to 5 minutes, featuring intricate yet hook-oriented arrangements that build tension through melodic builds and electronic pulses, diverging from the band's earlier extended jams.[26] This structure underscores a pop sensibility while maintaining dark undertones, with influences from acts like Frankie Goes to Hollywood evident in the synth orchestration.[9] The album's cohesion reflects Jaz Coleman's singular vision, originally conceived as a solo project, resulting in a unified yet polarizing exploration of exclusion and mysticism that ties the tracks into a conceptual whole.[3][10]Track Listing
The original 1988 release of Outside the Gate features eight tracks, with a total runtime of approximately 38 minutes. On the vinyl LP edition, the tracks are divided between Side A (tracks 1–4) and Side B (tracks 5–8), emphasizing a balanced structure for analog playback.[1]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "America" | 3:48 |
| 2 | "My Love of This Land" | 4:12 |
| 3 | "Stay One Jump Ahead" | 3:11 |
| 4 | "Unto the Ends of the Earth" | 6:08 |
| 5 | "The Calling" | 4:45 |
| 6 | "Obsession" | 3:35 |
| 7 | "Tiahuanaco" | 3:27 |
| 8 | "Outside the Gate" | 8:57 |
| No. | Title (Bonus Tracks) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | "May Day" | 3:53 |
| 10 | "My Love of This Land" (Early Version) | 4:17 |
| 11 | "Obsession" (Early Version) | 3:50 |
| 12 | "Unto the Ends of the Earth" (Instrumental) | 6:09 |
| 13 | "Jihad" | 6:04 |
| 14 | "America" (Extended Mix) | 6:48 |
| 15 | "Stay One Jump Ahead" (Dub) | 3:33 |