by John Bush
The beginning of a more organized approach for SPK material, Auto Da-Fe presents an intriguing industrial-disco fusion, reminiscent of prime contemporary material by Cabaret Voltaire and DAF. An assortment of synthesizer stabs and progressive beats are the backing for lyrics best explained by titles like &Retard& and &Heart That Breaks.& Although fans probably thought of Auto Da-Fe as an unconscionable crossover attempt, it's still quite experimental in retrospect. Mute's CD reissue of the album also includes tracks from SPK's 1978 single &Surgical Penis Klinik,& 1979's Meat Processing Sektion EP, and 1983's Dekompositions EP.