Watch: ‘Elemental 7,’ a VHS synth odyssey by Chris & Cosey from 1983

This hour-long videotape, issued by CTI, is a mesmerizing time capsule

Although you should obviously pay attention to the visuals on Elemental 7, the 1983 video album by Chris & Cosey, the musical score itself is something to behold — as a focused, uninterrupted listen will confirm. A series of seven textured electronic pieces that ripple with tripped-out sampled voices, chirpy ascending synth notes, church bells, loops, booms, and proto-EBM, pre-darkwave jams, the hour-long videotape remains a remarkable document from an important moment in the marriage of video art and experimental music.

Co-founders of Throbbing Gristle, the husband-wife team of Cosey Fanni Tutti and Chris Carter evolved into an influential force in electronic dance music. In the late 1960s, Cosey and Throbbing Gristle bandmate Genesis P. Orridge formed art collective COUM Transmissions, and provoked outrage in the British media after their sexually charged public performance of a provocative show called Prostitution. They further provoked after forming, with Carter and Peter Christopherson, Throbbing Gristle. After that group’s demise, Chris and Cosey turned to sound and visual work. Harnessing synth rhythms and washes of samples, they created music inspired by Martin Denny-esque exotica, krautrock, and environmental music. Watch the full VHS below.

Details from the end credits:

Design [Sleeve Design] – CTI, Kevin Thorne

Film Director [All Visual Created By], Sounds – CTI, Chris Carter, Cosey Fanni Tutti, John Lacey
Photography By – Steve Pyke.

The visuals were shot entirely on domestic VHS equipment, including 90% of the special effects. It was then transferred to Umatic for editing and post production.

“Elemental 7” was shot in 1982 and not edited to its final form until September 1983. The soundtracks were recorded at Studio 47 in 1982 and completed for release in September 1983.
Special thanks go to Mr. Evans.

The quality and content of this recording cannot and should not be compared with conventional, commercial recordings. Visuals shot at Robinwood Mill and on location in West Yorkshire and London.

Post Production at LVA London. Total Running Time: 59:30 Min.

TRACKLIST:

Dancing Ghosts (Midnight At Robinwood Mill)
Temple Bar (The Long Forgotten Ancient Gates Of London)
Meeting Mr. Evans (A Moving Experience)
The Final Calling (Physical Exorcism)
Sidereal (Time Measured By The Movement Of The Stars)
Invisible Spectrum (Edit) (Ritual By Candlelight)
Well Spring Of Life (Gathering The First Waters Of Spring)

Bonus clip: In 1995, Chris & Cosey’s music was the subject of an early remix project. Called Twist, the nine track record featured reworks by artists including Carl Craig, µ-Ziq, Coil, and others. One of our favorites is a remix of “Gates of Ancient Cities” by Cosmic Connection.