Exercise in Tension

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 #59 & #60 compilation by Joseph Fox Communications, Inc.[3] The song was also remixed and released as additional material on the compact disc version and the following year as a single with "Bejing" on August 3, 1990.[4] 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.[5][6] 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),[7] CDPRO Vol #13 (June 1996) (1996, EMI Music Canada)[8] and Down & Dirty (1999, Pet Rock).[9] "Isolation" and the track "Bejing", from the CD edition of the album, became a minor hits for the band.[10][11]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]

AllMusic awarded Exercise in Tension a rating of three out of five stars.[1]

All tracks are written by John Elliott, Barry Nelson and Mike Orr, except "Isolation" by Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris.

Adapted from the Exercise in Tension liner notes.[12]

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")

• Exercise in Tension at Discogs (list of releases)