Theatre Of Hate
Westworld

THE REVIEW

An interesting yet little-known band is Theatre Of Hate, an 80s group that fits into that new wave trend. "Westworld", ironically, was the first and last studio album released by Theatre Of Hate, but despite the decades that have passed, the album sounds sufficiently fresh. A band composed of seven young men, Marxist sympathizers. Ordinary and restless young Albion lads, who decided to take up instruments to express their protest against Margaret Thatcher's mindless policies.
Theatre Of Hate resemble, at certain points, certain '77 punk solutions, but dominate with twilight and melancholic notes. Not to be overlooked, however, is a certain "pop" component, a dosed element capable of softening the excessive dark tones of the early eighties. Curious is the use of the saxophone, usually not inclined to this genre. The sound could be likened to Bauhaus, but less edgy.
The title track is a martial and monolithic piece. An essential text describes what, at the time, was their and our slice of the world. "Conquistador" is an epic and solemn composition. A song like this must be rediscovered by all new wave exegetes. "The Kaln" is the epitome of dark emotivity applied to themes of burning relevance. Tear-jerking!
In conclusion, a highly respectable album that fits into the 80s rock-wave panorama, a decade far too underestimated, and rediscovered in recent years. Gianni Vittorio