Cabaret Voltaire is an innovative and influential band in the realms of experimental and electronic music, formed in Sheffield, England in 1973 by Stephen Mallinder, Richard H. Kirk, and Chris Watson (who left the band in 1981). Named after the Zurich nightclub that was a center for the early Dada movement, Cabaret Voltaire was at the forefront of the UK’s industrial music scene, blending avant-garde sensibilities with dance beats and found sound samples, often reflecting a dystopian view of society.

Early works by Cabaret Voltaire were characterized by a raw, confrontational approach utilising tape loops, stark rhythms, and heavily manipulated sounds. As their career progressed into the 1980s, their sound evolved to incorporate elements of new wave and synthpop, garnering them wider commercial appeal. The albums "The Crackdown" and "Micro-Phonies," both now available in remastered versions, are prime examples of this shift towards a more accessible yet still experimental sound. Even in their more dance-oriented era, the band stayed true to their commitment to innovation, as evident in collections like "#7885 Electropunk to Technopop 1978-1985." After a hiatus, Richard H. Kirk revived the name Cabaret Voltaire for a series of releases in the 21st century, including the dark and textured "Shadow of Fear" and the droning soundscapes of "BN9Drone" and "Dekadrone," proving that the spirit of Cabaret Voltaire continues to innovate and influence music well into the digital age.

Genres

Bleep Techno

British Experimental

British Industrial

Experimental

Experimental Rock

Industrial

Industrial Rock

Post-punk

Proto-techno

Synthpop

Uk Post-punk

Related Artists

Throbbing Gristle

Chris & Cosey

Fad Gadget

Psychic TV

Severed Heads

Tuxedomoon

Nurse With Wound

Spk

The Legendary Pink Dots

DAF

Coil

Einstürzende Neubauten

Latest Release

BN9Drone

Cabaret Voltaire

Single - Released April 23, 2021