TEST DEPT

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Test Dept Biography

Test Dept is an experimental industrial band formed in 1981 in London, England. The band was founded by Graham Cunnington, Paul Jamrozy, and Angus Farquhar, who were all political activists as well as musicians. Test Dept's early work was heavily influenced by the industrial music of bands like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire, as well as the political and social issues of the time.

Test Dept's first release was the 1982 EP "Beating the Retreat," which featured a mix of industrial noise, traditional folk instruments, and samples from political speeches. The band's live performances during this period were known for their use of found objects and unconventional instruments, as well as their politically charged content.





In 1983, Test Dept released their first full-length album, "Shoulder to Shoulder," which featured a more polished sound and a wider range of influences, including world music and traditional folk. The band's live performances during this period often included collaborations with political activists and community groups.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Test Dept released several more albums, including "Pax Britannica" (1984), "The Unacceptable Face of Freedom" (1986), and "Beating the Retreat" (1989). The band's sound during this period became more experimental and diverse, incorporating elements of world music, classical music, and traditional folk.

Test Dept disbanded in the early 2000s, but reformed in 2016 and started performing again. The band's most recent album, "Disturbance," was released in 2018. Throughout their career, Test Dept has been influential in the industrial and experimental music scene and continues to be respected for their political and social engagement.