Total Sex

Capturing Whitehouse in transition between the fledgling Birthdeath Experience and the powerful Erector, Total Sex continues to improve on the extreme experimental electronic sound for which they are known. They keep the same lineup for their second LP, Total Sex, with William Bennett on vocals and synthesizer, Paul Reuter on synthesizer, and Peter McKay credited as effects and engineer. Massive use of a flanger and high frequencies distinguish this release from their previous effort, while vocalist Bennett continues to rant about themes of domination and abuse. Tracks such as "Phaseday" and "Ultrasadism" increase the aggressive approach with more ferocious sonic manipulations and faster attacks. "Politics" stands out as from the rest of Total Sex by the inclusion of one minute of silence at the end of the track. This interlude amidst the sonic assault seems out of place, but upon close inspection one realizes that the silence is as much a part of Whitehouse's music as the rest of the album. The silence functions to heighten the tension created by the sounds around it. Recommended for fans interested in the history of experimental electronics but of only mild interest to the casual fan. CD reissue adds the tracks "Her Entry" and "Foreplay" from the United Dairies compilation, Hoisting the Black Flag.