Pas Musique – Too Civilized

The avant-garde project Pas Musique, which Robert L. Pepper has been leading since its founding in 1995, offers a musically rich and stimulating experience with the single “Too Civilized.” This track explores the self-deception of human civilization and criticizes our unquestioning push for advancement and technology at the expense of safety. The song “Too Civilized” sets the mood for dystopia right away with its spooky synth pads and voice samples. The creepy vibe is reflective of the German industrial music movement from the 1980s. As the listeners are drawn into a world where the surface of civilization is peeled back to expose underlying disorder and disarray, the introduction generates a sense of anxiety and chaos. Acid synth lines flow in the background as the beat starts, increasing the dramatic tension. Robert L. Pepper’s vocals enter around 1:10, bringing a dimension of melancholy and sorrow. The song’s message on the dangers of unbridled technological growth and the false feeling of perfection that society frequently presents is furthered by his emotionally charged voice. At 2:08, the tempo of the song unexpectedly changes to something more danceable. The enigmatic synth lines don’t stop, but the rhythmic change briefly lightens the atmosphere and offers a contrast to the otherwise gloomy story. This section offers a brief respite, a moment of deceptive calm before the storm returns. As the vocals re-enter, the synth lines grow more distorted, ramping up the intensity. The music becomes increasingly chaotic, reflecting the accelerating pace of technological and societal developments that the track critiques. This build-up leads to a frenetic and powerful industrial music finale, leaving listeners in a state of contemplation about the trajectory of human progress. The song “Too Civilized” is a mix of electronic, experimental, and industrial sounds, with each component expertly designed to express a certain message. Pas Musique is successful in transforming a song into an audio journey that asks listeners to consider the price of civilization’s unrelenting pursuit of so-called development.

Photo Credit: photo by Robert L. Pepper