Portion Control: Pioneers of UK Industrial Electronica

Portion Control is a seminal British electronic music group, foundational to the industrial and EBM genres. Formed in London in 1979, the band carved a unique path with their raw, rhythmic sound, influencing a generation of artists across electronic and alternative music.

Early career

Portion Control was formed in 1979 by Ian Sharp and John Whybrew in South London. Their early DIY ethos involved manipulating tape loops and primitive electronics, leading to their first self-released cassette, Punishment Before Crime, in 1980.

This cassette caught the attention of the fledgling label Illuminated Records, which released their debut 7" single, Films, in 1981. Their sound was a stark, aggressive fusion of punk energy and synthesized noise, setting them apart from the more polished synth-pop of the era.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their 1982 debut album, I Staggered Mentally, on Illuminated Records. This album, and the preceding single Go For The Throat, defined their signature style: pounding drum machine beats, distorted vocals, and abrasive synth lines.

While not a mainstream chart success, the album became a crucial underground hit, cementing their reputation as innovators. Their influential 1984 single Rough Justice further expanded their reach within the European electronic scene.

Key tracks

Go For The Throat — This 1982 single is a quintessential early industrial track, known for its relentless rhythm and confrontational style.

Rough Justice — A club favorite from 1984, this track showcased a more refined, danceable EBM direction while retaining their gritty edge.

Hit The Pulse — A standout from their 1986 album Psychogeist, it exemplifies their peak-era fusion of heavy electronics and melodic hooks.

Chew You To Bits — This later track from their 2004 comeback album Wellcome proved their sound remained potent and relevant.

After a hiatus in the late 1980s, Portion Control reactivated in the early 2000s, embracing modern production while staying true to their roots. They have since released several albums on their own label, Punishment Before Crime, including Violently Alive in 2011, and continue to perform live, demonstrating the enduring power of their original vision.

Fans of Portion Control's pioneering industrial electronica also gravitate towards the intense sounds of Nitzer Ebb for their militant EBM rhythms. The experimental noise and sampling of Cabaret Voltaire shares a similar foundational approach. The later, more dance-oriented work of Front 242 also follows the trail they helped blaze. For a contemporary take on aggressive electronics, Youth Code carries the torch forward.

Portion Control's influential catalog is a staple on dedicated alternative and industrial radio stations, particularly those specializing in classic electronic body music and post-punk electronica. Their tracks are regularly featured in programming that explores the roots of industrial dance music.

You can hear the powerful, rhythmic electronics of Portion Control on specialist radio stations featured here. Explore and listen to their groundbreaking music through the curated industrial and electronic stations available on onairium.com.