Test Dept.

Test Dept

Test Dept is an industrial music group from New Cross, London, active from 1981 to the present. The group forms around Paul Jamrozy, Graham Cunnington, Angus Farquhar, Paul Hines and Toby Burdon, and later includes Alistair Adams among its members. It is associated with electro-industrial, industrial and modern classical music, and its releases appear on Ministry of Power as well as earlier labels including Some Bizzare Records.

Music and methods

The group builds its sound from recycled scrap metal taken from local scrapyards, using waste debris as percussion and source material. Its music combines tonality, experimental electronics and early sampling technology, alongside film and slide montaged visuals. Traditional instruments also appear in its work, including bagpipes played by Alistair Adams. The band is known for complicated and forceful percussion, and for high-energy live performances.

Politics and performances

Test Dept develops a strong political stance through its work. A multimedia performance at Paddington Station in 1986, staged to mark the abolition of the GLC, is regarded as one of the decade’s most striking events. The group also creates work in support of the Miners’ Strike of 1984, including a collaboration with the South Wales Striking Miners Choir. Its political outlook is further energised by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Releases and later development

The band’s discography covers a wide range of styles and influences. Early releases include Ecstasy Under Duress and Shoulder to Shoulder, the latter with the South Wales Striking Miners’ Choir. Other albums include Beating The Retreat, Atonal & Hamburg, Live, The Unacceptable Face Of Freedom, A Good Night Out, Terra Firma, Materia Prima, Gododdin, Pax Britannica, Proven In Action (Live 1990), Totality, Legacy [1990-1993] the singles plus more, Tactics for Evolution and Disturbance. In later years the music moves away from pure industrial forms and takes on elements of techno and other dance styles.

Legacy and related activity

Test Dept is widely regarded by other musicians as one of the most influential early industrial acts. The group plays a range of venues, including Waterloo and Cannon Street stations, Expo 86, Stirling Castle and the former St Rollox Railway Works in Glasgow. After the band’s original run, former members continue work in art and culture: Angus Farquhar returns to Scotland and re-establishes the Beltane Fire Festival on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill, while also founding the theatre company NVA; Cunnington creates the one-man show Pain in 1996; and Jamrozy works under names including satellitic on installation and experimental sonic electronic projects.