Exercise in Tension

Exercise in Tension is the debut studio album of Dessau, released in 1989 by Carlyle Records.

Music
The track "Europe Light" was originally released on the Happy Mood EP and was then provided to the 1989 Music View – Radio's Alternative Talk Show No. 59 & #60 compilation by Joseph Fox Communications, Inc. The song was also remixed and released as additional material on the compact disc version and the following year as a single with "Beijing" on August 3, 1990. The band's cover of Joy Division's "Isolation" was recorded in 1988 and produced by Paul Barker of Revolting Cocks and Al Jourgensen of Ministry. The cover has been released as a 12" single and on three various artists compilations: C'Est La Silenz Qui Fait La Musique... (1994, Electro Pulse), CDPRO Vol #13 (June 1996) (1996, EMI Music Canada) and Down & Dirty (1999, Pet Rock). "Isolation" and the track "Beijing", from the CD edition of the album, became a minor hits for the band.

Reception
AllMusic awarded Exercise in Tension a rating of three out of five stars.

Personnel
Adapted from the Exercise in Tension liner notes.

Dessau
 * John Elliott – instruments, vocals, production, mixing, cover art
 * Barry Nelson – bass guitar, mixing, cover art
 * Mike Orr – guitar, vocals, mixing, cover art

Production and design
 * Paul Barker – production (B4)
 * Bill Brunt – cover art
 * Brian Hardin – editing ("Beijing")
 * Al Jourgensen – production (B4)
 * Mike Poole – engineering
 * Giles Reaves – production, engineering, mixing
 * Todd Sholar – engineering
 * Steve Spapperi – engineering (B4)
 * Preston Sullivan – executive-producer
 * Rick Will – mixing and editing ("Beijing")