Severed Heads (originally Mr and Ms No Smoking Sign) is an Australian industrial/electronic/hauntological group formed in 1979 with releases continuing up into 2007 (with the exception of remixes and later compilations). Their work would end up being regarded alongside bands like Throbbing Gristle and Skinny Puppy as one of those who laid groundwork for modern experimental music, albeit less heavy/"noise" than the former and more synth-based than the latter.

click on image for a full discographical list

i first discovered severed heads early into my initiation into the genre of hauntology (a genre you might know actually if youve ever listened to everywhere at the end of time by the caretaker. yes thats an example of hauntology/plunderphonics! not all of it is like that though). i can thank my boyfriend karkat aka known obscure music fiend for this recommendation as always.

despite how i discovered it the only albums by severed heads that truly count as hauntological are Clifford Darling, Please Don't Live in the Past (1985) and Clean (1981); maybe City Slab Horror on a technicality but it still leans more into electronic. coincidentally these albums are also my top favorites. who wouldve thought?
(these albums pictured + linked below)





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