The band was founded in 1992. Rather than taking the normal route of releasing Demos, DA instead recorded a multitude of limited edition split albums, though rehearsal tapes and demos were released later on various compilation sets. Some of these have such poor sound quality that they just sound like blasts of noise, whereas later releases like The Inalienable Dreamless have very clear production which revealed the complexity of the guitar riffs.
They split up in 2003 when guitarist Rob Marton developed tinnitus from standing too close to the amp during rehearsals and live shows. They gained somewhat of a cult status post-split, and are renowned as one of the foremost art-grind bands.
The band was notable both for having no bassist and for packaging most of their full-length releases in DVD cases rather than standard CD cases, presumably to accommodate the unusually large booklets (normally with liner notes for each song longer than the lyrics).
Mimetic
Discordance Axis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A realization of the Orwellian dream
Among the blind and under scrutiny
Adjuncts figment as auspicious
Sense the omnipotence of function
Restless whims of mechanistic affairs
Laid to waste by regulated proxy
Dubious problems from which disillusion projects
Obstruction
Collage
Being
Occluded
The lyrics of "Mimetic" by Discordance Axis paint a picture of a bleak, dystopian future where humans have become enslaved to their own creations - machines and technology. The first two lines set the tone, describing the "hardware of slavery" and "treadmill of dogma" that people find themselves trapped in. This is a reference to the idea that, in this society, people are forced to conform to a certain way of life, dictated by the ruling class or government.
Despite being under constant surveillance ("under scrutiny"), the people in this society are still able to conjure up some hope, described as "adjuncts figment as auspicious." The next few lines delve into the idea that machines have become so advanced that they now have a level of control over humans, with the lyrics describing the "omnipotence of function" and "restless whims of mechanistic affairs." But even as humans find themselves increasingly controlled by their own creations, they are still able to recognize the problems inherent in this societal structure - "dubious problems from which disillusion projects."
The final three lines of the song - "Obstruction / Collage / Being / Occluded" - are a bit harder to interpret, but seem to speak to the general theme of people being trapped and unable to break free from their circumstances. "Obstruction" could refer to the obstacles people face when trying to achieve freedom, while "collage" and "being" may speak to the idea that people are made up of various pieces and facets, but ultimately remain trapped within their own limitations. "Occluded" is a word that means "hidden or obscured", which seems to suggest that any attempt by people to break free from their circumstances is blocked or obscured by the powers that be.
Line by Line Meaning
Hardware of slavery, treadmill of dogma
The tools and systems we use can enslave us, while blindly adhering to set beliefs can keep us running on a never-ending treadmill.
A realization of the Orwellian dream
The dystopian reality of George Orwell's famous novel 1984 has come to life in our society.
Among the blind and under scrutiny
Living in a culture where everyone is ignorant to the truth and constantly being monitored by those in power.
Adjuncts figment as auspicious
The few seemingly positive aspects of the current system are just minor additions that do not change the overall oppressive nature of it.
Sense the omnipotence of function
Understand the complete control that the mechanistic systems have over our individual lives.
Restless whims of mechanistic affairs
The constant changes and unpredictability of these systems can lead to a feeling of chaos and lack of control.
Laid to waste by regulated proxy
Our personal agency is diminished as we are replaced by a system that follows strict regulations.
From a subordinated perspective
Looking at things through the lens of subjugation, rather than freedom and independence.
Dubious problems from which disillusion projects
The issues we face are unclear and uncertain, leading to a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness.
Obstruction
A hindrance or barrier that prevents progress or development.
Collage
A collection of disparate elements, brought together to form a new whole.
Being
Existence and the experience of it, shaped by our surroundings and actions.
Occluded
Hidden or obscured from view, often deliberately to conceal the truth.
Contributed by Alice P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.