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Rating: If "Alles Ist Gut" is the album that brings fame to this group, "Die Kleinen und Die Bösen" is the one where DAF, in my humble opinion, reach the pinnacle of their artistic journey.
In that distant 1980, Suicide and Kraftwerk had already brought to light the possibilities that electronic music could offer, Throbbing Gristle had recorded "The Second Annual Report" and the Punk movement had wiped the slate clean of the Rock proposed until then.
From these three musical currents, DAF draw the commandments and inspiration that will lead to the birth of "Ein Produkt der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Freundschaft," the predecessor of their subsequent works while with "Die Kleinen Und Die Bosen" (the album in question), the intentions of the Dusseldorf duo come to the forefront.
Their electronic and noise rock reveals all the malaise that hovers over the young generations of West Germany grappling with the difficult coexistence between the two ideologies and the transformation of post-industrial society. Tension, anger, and frustration are the daily life for those living in the large German cities, and the album is a musical testimony to it.
Alienation is the common thread that ties all the tracks wrapping the listening environment in a sort of alienating limbo filled with foul-smelling gas, abandoned factories where the sky is barely seen through the thick and heavy air.
The sense of unease is heightened by the synthetic and nerve-wracking sounds that emanate from the stereo speakers, the drum machine creates a perception of martial heaviness that advances stoically in the midst of the sonic decay created by the synth, and Delgado’s voice makes the listening experience nerve-wracking with annoying lullabies or spitting words with a neurasthenic flair without neglecting terrorized screams worthy of the best Suicide.
"Die Kleinen und die Bösen" rightfully deserves a place among the most important albums that German electronic music has offered, influencing the entire alternative music scene of Europe.
It is no coincidence that CCCP drew lessons and inspiration from this sick album and gave DAF the credits they deserve.
Glacial!
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