On May 1, Laibach released their latest album, Musick. The album, which follows their previous symphonic masterpiece Alamut, is a studio album consisting of almost entirely new material, marking their first such release since 2014’s Spectre. It includes 10 new songs focused on topics such as social media and authoritarianism.
While Laibach has never been the most conventional band—after all, they were the first Western rock band to perform in North Korea—this album is strange even by their standards. Although it contains typical elements of the band’s sound, including orchestral moments, deep vocals, and lyrics that may require a second listen, the album is presented as a pop record. However, it is not entirely rooted in modern pop music, as there are numerous instances throughout the album that appear to reference Kraftwerk. Even so, it is far more accessible than many of the band’s previous releases.
Perhaps one of the album’s greatest strengths is that no two songs sound alike. Tracks range from songs reminiscent of something that might be released by Pet Shop Boys, such as “Allgorhythm,” to country-inspired tracks like “Luigi Mangione,” and even a rock-oriented song in “Keep It Reel.” Despite this stylistic variety, the album remains cohesive, with every track contributing to the project’s overall message and no song feeling like filler.
Another departure from the band’s earlier work lies in the guest performers featured throughout the album. Nearly every track includes a guest vocalist, adding to the uniqueness of each song. However, this does not mean that iconic vocalist Milan Fras is absent. He appears on most tracks, though not always as the lead singer. This aspect of the album contributes significantly to its appeal, as even listeners familiar with the band’s sound are likely to encounter unexpected moments throughout the record.
The album was preceded by two singles, excluding “Love Machine,” which was released less than a week before the full album. These singles, “Musick” and “Allgorhythm,” are both strong tracks, though they are arguably not the album’s highlights. Instead, “Fluid Emancipation” and “Das Göttliche Kind” stand out as some of the project’s most interesting songs. Additionally, “Yes Maybe No” and “Resistencia” are particularly noteworthy.
Like many previous releases from Laibach, Musick is filled with political commentary. The band’s albums have often reflected the political climate of their respective eras, and this record is no exception. Throughout the album, the band explores themes such as the oversaturation of music in the modern era—the inspiration behind the album’s title—alongside other prominent contemporary issues. While these themes may eventually cause the album to feel dated, the messages it presents remain highly relevant today.
Although Laibach is one of the more prominent industrial acts, the group remains relatively obscure to mainstream audiences. As a result, prospective listeners may wonder whether this album serves as a suitable introduction to the band’s work. Surprisingly, the answer may be yes. While it is not necessarily representative of the group’s broader discography, the blending of pop elements with the band’s signature sound makes the album more approachable than many of their earlier releases.
However, one hallmark of the band’s discography is notably absent from this album: cover songs. In the past, Laibach became well known for reinterpretations of songs such as One Vision by Queen and Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber. On this album, the closest equivalent is a reworking of an older Laibach song, as “Resistance is Futile” has been transformed and translated into “Resistencia.” Despite the absence of cover tracks, the album still contains numerous subtle references to other artists, making this omission feel less jarring.
Ultimately, Musick is an impressive addition to an already remarkable discography. Although it differs from the band’s previous work, its strangeness makes it feel refreshing. It is precisely this unconventional quality that may make it one of the best albums released so far this year.
