Pets Have Fears Too: A Noisy, Industrial Gem from 1983 That Still Bites
Alright, so let’s talk about Pets Have Fears Too by Debt Of Nature. Released in '83 via Real Big Dog Tapes (cool name, right?), this album is a wild ride through the darker corners of electronic music—think industrial grit meets noise chaos. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into stuff that feels like it was recorded in some abandoned warehouse late at night, then buckle up.
First off, the credits are kinda insane. You’ve got a whole crew of folks contributing here—Brad Laner, Dinah Cancer, Don Bolles, and more. It's like they just rounded up every weirdo with a synth or drum machine in LA and said, "Go nuts." And trust me, they did. The artwork by Josh Laner fits perfectly too—it’s all gritty and raw, like the music itself.
Now, onto the tracks. There’s 13 of ‘em, ranging from eerie soundscapes to full-on noise assaults. But two really stuck with me: “Body Language Of A Whore” and “See Emily Play.”
“Body Language Of A Whore” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this relentless beat that feels like it’s pounding on your skull, but in a good way? Like, you can’t ignore it. The layers of distorted sounds feel almost suffocating, but there’s something hypnotic about it too. By the time it ends, you're left wondering what the hell just happened—and kinda wanting to hear it again.
Then there’s their cover of “See Emily Play,” which… wow. If you know the original Pink Floyd version, this one will blow your mind. They take that dreamy psych vibe and turn it into something cold, mechanical, and kinda unsettling. It’s like hearing an old friend tell you they’ve joined a cult. Brad Laner and co. rip it apart and rebuild it as this jagged, industrial beast. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d dig a cover of such a classic song, but damn—they made it their own.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high. Tracks like “Gospel Light” and “Meat On A Leash” bring the noise while throwing curveballs at you. Nothing feels predictable, which is both exhausting and exhilarating. It’s like listening to a band that doesn’t care what you think—and honestly, that’s refreshing.
So yeah, Pets Have Fears Too isn’t exactly background music. It’s intense, abrasive, and sometimes straight-up weird. But isn’t that the point? This record reminds me why underground music matters—it pushes boundaries and makes you uncomfortable in the best possible way. Plus, who else would name an album after pets having existential crises? Only these guys.
Random thought: I bet Robert Blake himself would’ve been confused by “Robert Blake Syndrome.” Like…was he honored? Offended? Both? Who knows. Anyway, give this one a spin if you want your ears to feel alive—even if they’re bleeding afterward.
