Imagine an album that shakes the foundations of society as fiercely as a political wrecking ball. That's precisely what SMP's 'The Treatment' achieved when it hit the airwaves in the gloriously rebellious year of 1995. Formed by Jason Bazinet and Sean Setterberg, the Seattle-based SMP (Sounds of Mass Production) took industrial music by the scruff of the neck and delivered a sharp shock to the system. When the world was dabbling in grunge and alternative rock's softer reflections, SMP threw down the gauntlet with 'The Treatment'—a hard-hitting album that tackled themes from government overreach to the gritty realities of urban life.
'When, where, and why?' you'd ask. 'The Treatment' was recorded in the midst of the 1990s—a decade marked by rapid technological advancements, the tail end of the Cold War dramas, and an electorate deep in contemplation about the nation’s direction. SMP wasn’t pulling any punches. They wanted to highlight the ironies and injustices they saw in society, and 'The Treatment' was their medium. This tac is reminiscent of the unapologetic truths conservatives espouse today, choosing to tackle uncomfortable realities head-on rather than painting them with flowery illusion.
'Advance America' and 'No Rest for the Wicked' lead the charge. These tracks are politically charged dynamite. Bazinet’s unique, aggressive vocals pierce through the cacophonous symphony of drum machines and synthesizers. It's a soundscape woven with intention, challenging the listener to face the rotten core of deceit in modern political structures. It might rub progressive ears the wrong way, but that’s precisely the point. SMP spurred listeners to think critically, not accept the status quo like docile sheep.
'Burn' echoes the realities of a generation facing the consequences of decisions made by past leadership. The fiery rhythm and abrasive lyrics speak to the frustration many felt towards those in power. Here, SMP struck a generational nerve that persisted for years. It’s a hard task to get through the tune without feeling the urge to dismantle outdated doctrines and embrace a more self-reliant doctrine.
The sound of this album wasn't merely noise—it's deliberate chaos, designed to purge complacency and mediocrity. Especially in 'Stalker', where droning bass lines are combined with the urgency of digital beeps and alarms. It's an album reminiscent of a conservative rallying cry against the numbness society invites into our daily lives. This was not just music; it was an alarm bell for the lethargic, urging them to wake up and taste the real world.
SMP’s “noise”, is akin to the rawness of bygone political rallies. They weren’t dressing the world up in false hopes but shedding light on the jagged edge of reality. Whether you see it as chaotic or not, it’s a refreshing change from the numbing lullabies that often populate today’s airwaves.
In the interstitial chaos of 'Retail Therapy', you can feel the brunt of commercialism. Lines calling out the rampant consumerism reflect SMP's awareness of the capitalist machine. They invite listeners to recognize their entanglement in a web spun by relentless advertisers—a web governments often overlook for convenience's call.
Yet amidst this brilliant anarchy, 'Personal Jesus' stops the heart briefly with its rhythmic elegance. As a cover of the iconic Depeche Mode song, the track flexes SMP's ability to effectively interpret and transform established art into their signature style. It's emblematic of conservativism that holds firm to tradition, yet adapts it to resonate with contemporary issues.
Throughout the album, listeners are invited to confront the tumultuous path of industrial life where conservative truth-telling faces off against softer liberal tendencies. SMP makes no apologies with 'The Treatment'. It’s a relentless sonic discourse, a message incomprehensible to those who fetishize mediocrity. SMP doesn’t just play music—they address the soul of a political era.
In 1995, 'The Treatment' transported frustrated listeners into the heart of a systemic critique, demonstrating that even music can serve as a tool for societal wake-up calls. Listeners who could withstand the searing honesty found themselves more aware and more vigilant, ready to confront the daunting giant that is modern civilization.
'The Treatment' is not just an album. It’s a call, a demand for awareness and change, an anthem that resonates within the morally steadfast, inspiring those willing to look beyond the veil and engage with the uncomfortable truths that SMP so succinctly vocalized.