One of my favourite records from 2009 - Melbourne's Htrk's debut 'Marry Me Tonight' was a long time coming. I first saw these dudes play at the Rob Roy Hotel - I think with Love Of Diagrams - and I was blown away - that was 2003. After giving up Melbourne, reportedly to avoid the apparent 80s electronic revival scene of the time, the bounced back and forth from Berlin and London to live the dream. 'Ha' is a great track - processional drumming, rolling grimy drugged-out bass lines and noise guitar.
The thing I love about Htrk is the overwhelming tone of depravity in their music - sex, bondage, discos and everything else associated with it - effortlessly sexual and hedonistic.
Producer, the late Roland S. Howard's presence on this record is evident - Htrk are the modern extension of Melbourne's early 80's post punk scene of St Kilda. If only they would return one day to at least do another gig.
'Ha' featured the band as a trio - bass player Sean Stewart killed himself in 2010. Surviving members Jonnine Standish & Nigel Yang plan to release their follow up in September 2011. This track is reimagined with a Detroit techno flavour.
Ha (Kapitolina's Detroit Mix) - Htrk by Girls Who Smoke Poke
