LISTEN: Helmet Covers “In the Ditch” by Gang of Four
LISTEN: Helmet Covers “In the Ditch” by Gang of Four
Another slice of the album, ‘The Problem of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill and Gang of Four’
Words by: Ysabela De Ocampo
The highly anticipated tribute album, The Problem of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill and Gang of Four, is creeping up on us. The fourth single off the album, shared today, unveiled a cover by Helmet. The band takes Gang of Four’s “In the Ditch” and adds their own cutting-edge touch. The album is set for release on May 28, 2021.
Helmet picks apart “In the Ditch” and reconstructs the track, adding a little sinister touch. The signature whistle blow in the opening is traded for a piercing screech. The original version twangs and chimes with sparse guitar licks, strongly supported by a beefy bass pulse and pounding drums. Helmet thickens up the sound with commanding vocals. They trade the tin-sounding guitars of the original track for a scheming and slippery tone. Nearing the end of the original version, the instrumental starts to beautifully collapse into a semi-chaotic blend of electric sounds. Helmet takes this outro and adds their own howling swirl to it.
Andy Gill was a fan of Helmet, hoping that the two would be able to collaborate one day. Page Hamilton from Helmet speaks on his experience with the track,” “I chose ‘In the Ditch’ for this tribute cause it’s a great song even though it was challenging (thank you to my band!). It feels improvised and random at times but holds together as a composition. There’s no room for limp dick, mail-it-in, non-musical moments in any of these songs. How the hell did they put this together? We could only try to capture the intensity of the original. This band changed me. Thank you Andy, Dave, Hugo & Jon.”
Andy Gill and Gang of Four are highly influential British post-punk icons. Their mark on rock music spans far and wide from artists like Rage Against the Machine, R.E.M, The Red Hot Chili Peppers. As well as modern groups Franz Ferdinand, Sleater Kinney and so much more. The Problem of Leisure originally was Gang of Four’s 40th anniversary celebration of their record Entertainment! Gill was a part of the creative process prior to his death in February 2020. The album’s brilliant artwork, selected by Gill, was created by Damien Hirst. Gill’s wife, Catherine Mayer will be donating any income she receives from the single to the [UK] Women’s Equality Party, a party she co-founded, and one that Andy passionately supported. The album is available to pre-order now in a variety of formats set for release this May.
Helmet is the brainchild of Page Hamilton’s musical experience. Originally moving from Portland to NYC to study jazz, Hamilton found himself immersed in the world of New York’s 80’s punk scene. Sonic Youth, Killing Joke and Big Black are a couple of the many influences the band cites. Hamilton then recruited his bandmates, releasing music independently as well as through Interscope records.
Helmet was the East Coast answer to the grunge scene coming out of Seattle. They were countered bands like Soundgarden and Mudhoney. The band has been pioneering experimental alternative music sounds since their formation in 1989. Helmet persisted through lineup changes. Since 2010, the band has consisted of Hamilton, drummer Kyle Stevenson, guitarist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case. Now they take part in the Andy Gill tribute, offering their take on Gang of Four’s “In the Ditch.” The Problem of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill and Gang of Four, arrives May 28, 2021.
