Review: Cabaret Voltaire – #7885 (Electropunk to Technopop 1978-1985)

#7885 (Electropunk to Technopop 1978-1985) collects tracks from Cabaret Voltaire’s time with Rough Trade (1978–1982), sounding like what might happen if the bounty hunters from The Empire Strikes Back were to start a Dada-inspired fetish industrial project, (“Do The Mussolini (Head Kick),” “The Set Up”), as well as songs from their time on Bizarre and Virgin Records. As the band evolved, the “Technopop” in this compilation title became more applicable. Voltaire sounds like Peter Gabriel meeting Axel Foley for a night of club stalking on songs such as “The Dream Ticket.” Those in need of some inspiration beyond Alan Vega/Martin Rev for that cold wave/industrial-dance project with a buddy and an iPad may find that this collection has something to offer. –T.H.