Attack Music

Album: Hidden (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On Hidden, British art rock band These New Puritans used six-foot Japanese taiko drums to create its deep percussion sounds. However, the thundering percussion-led noise was too much for one headmaster, who banned his school choir from contributing to this song as he judged the music to be "too dark." Frontman Jack Barnett explained to NME January 16, 2010: "I think he objected to the implication of violence - the title 'Attack Music.' But they were a fairly professional choir who get asked to do a lot of work. The second lot were from a state school in Hackney. They were more enthusiastic about the whole idea."
  • The sound of knives being sharpened can be heard on this track. On Hidden Barnett experimented with a diverse array of recording tricks including the use of "Foley techniques." He explained to NME: "It's the method they use in film to develop sound effects. Like, for instance, cracking a cauliflower at the stem simulates the sound of human bone breaking."
  • Hidden was voted 2010 Album of the Year by the NME.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.