Freewitch/J.Bartee split cs

Freewitch/J. Bartee splt cs
the Yellow Air of Spring/Also, Yes
Mutape
(5)

This is fucking great! Seriously, I don't want to get too into the packaging first but just know that I love it. We will get to it. Freewitch rides some pretty spacey and psychedelic synth waves. It's almost like what an ocean in Tron should sound like. Like maybe a lo-fi Tangerine Dream at their best. Definitely in league with some of the better Klaus Schultz stuff I have been listening to lately. J. Bartee is a different cat all together. This starts off with drums, chimes, bass lines and some funky accordion playing. I am pretty sure they are all created with the same synthesizer but it sounds pretty awesome. Really out there space funk that also brings to mind some of the more odd experiments from the 70's. It's real short before some odd little ditty comes in that I swear has birds chirping along. Maybe laser guns. Either way it's refreshing and fascinating. Now the the artwork. Max Clotfelter is one of my favorite artist these days. He does comics that remind me of why i liked Renee French, Dave Cooper, KAZ and Julie Doucet. His work is stunning and intense and his care in packaging is nothing short of inspiring. He created a slipcase (full bleed) that encases a stenciled poly case (just be careful as nothing really sticks to a poly case except stickers). Inside that is a double sided insert and then a stenciled cassette. The artwork is great as always. Buy his comics and definitely get one of these cassettes. He will be doing four in this series. This is the first and I almost forgot to mention this, there are only 25. Good luck.

Trogpite "noise fancy" cs

Trogpite
Noise Fancy
Lighten Up Sounds
(4)

This starts with dragging. The sounds of long, even strides dragging something behind it. It is most likely not really a recorded dragging, but it is the first thing the entered my mind. This thing carves a swath through your mind. It's huge, epic and doesn't ever let up. When I was very young I had a terrible fever that almost killed me. Some sort of "asian flu" or something. In the days I laid in bed trying to watch cartoons and drink 7up, I remember hours of horrible waking fever induced nightmares. There was one in particular where a giant hulking machine was slowly dragging itself across a desert landscape towards me. It must have been miles wide in my mind because even though it was barely over the horizon, it took up the whole sky. I remember screaming. This tape sounds like that. It's actually kinda bumming me out… The layout totally adds to the experience. Since it's been spray painted you kinda get a headache from opening it. The artwork is dreadful and wonderfully done. The text is all in crazy-person typewriter style. It's a good one.

Rj Myato "drew blood" cs

RJ Myato
Drew Blood
Strabismus Tapes
(3)

This hits me like a headache. There is something almost nauseating about the sounds on this tape. I love RJ Myato's work and this is no exception. This has such a weird faraway, HAM radio sound that you can imagine that in the future this might be the kind of music people listen to after a long hard day of killing Terminators. It's short but tragic. Great work. The packaging was a nice attempt but it had kinda fallen apart by the time it got to me. The design is nice but there is some jute twine that I don't think really works with the more modern design of the layout. It's a little unfocused in that department but you gotta hand it to someone who basically designs a brand new kind of slip case for a cassette. You should still try to grab this right away as there is only 25 of these. I am going to keep an eye out on this label.

Mamiffer // House of Low Culture // Merzbow "Lou, Lou..." 2xLP

Mamiffer // House of Low Culture // Merzbow 2xLP
Lou Lou...
Sige Records
(4)

This is a live collaborative 2xLp in every way. The first side has Mamiffer with Atsuo from Boris playing their beautiful and haunting piano driven minimalism. The second side is HOLC and Merzbow playing the spaces in between the notes in a subtle and interesting way and the third and final side is a three way collaboration. It's pretty well recorded and sounds wonderful, although there is amount where the audio kinda falls away like there was a flaw but it is fleeting and forgivable. This sounds like it was probably a show not to miss and if you don't live in Tokyo you don't have to. Beautifully packaged with a etching on the D side. Limited to 330 copies and there are still some available out there. I guess it is also sold as a cd/dvd from Daymare.

Actuary/Bacteria Cult split 7"

Actuary/Bacteria Cult split 7"
Vomitcore Music
(4)

I have mentioned in the past about how I can't really listen to this music around my daughter because it might scar her. I have mostly been exaggerating. She really pays little attention to what I am listening to. She is more into the Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba. This record… How do I put this? If I had let my daughter hear this it would be child abuse. This is dangerous. Truly. Both sides are great. Really intense noise that feels full of hatred and horror. Wonderful work from both of these California artists but one side in particular is really noteworthy. You may have heard some spew hyperbole about how noise can sound like a soundtrack for a snuff film. Well the Actuary side sounds like an actual audio recording of a snuff film. I felt a little ill after hearing this. It sounds like someone is being stabbed and tortured along with some other intense sonic evils. I hear "h was going to help me find my son!", "Stop it! Stop it!" "You want to know what is going on…" I am not sure what is happening but it can't be good. I never enjoy samples usually but this just works great. Also, if you accidentally listen to this on 33 you might die. It's brutal in a way that nothing will ever be brutal again. This is horror.

Death Factory "Chilling Impressions" cs

Death Factory
Chilling Impressions
No Visible Scars
(4)

Nightmare industrial meets John Carpenter soundtrack. So i guess, if I am getting this correctly, that the artist here decided to make two pieces dedicated to some awesome 70's horror films. Not so much soundtracks but almost audio love letters. Still working in the noise/industrial world but with a definite sense of the time these films were made. Truly capturing a real sense of dread. Excellent work. There is a mountain of talent packed into this c30. Very limited but I think there is a few copies left. Packaged in No Visible Scars usual 7" sleeve.

Blue Sabbath Black Cheer "witches" cs

Blue Sabbath Black Cheer
Witches
Destructive Industries
(5)

Anyone who has read my blog in the past year probably knows that I really enjoy BSBC. They're a juggernaut in doom and noise right now and I know the day when they get the same mention as Sunn 0))), Earth or Neurosis is not far away. Although, the big difference between BSBC and the aforementioned bands is that they don't really give a fuck if that happens or not. They don't tour a whole lot, they don't have a huge web presence and even though their records fetch some decent cash on eBay, they are pretty much a band that doesn't care about turning itself into a product. They fly so far below the radar that they might as well be underwater. Good for them. Part of me doesn't want to share them and the other part wants to tell every kid who shells out their hard earned money on fucked up records to send Stan Reed and Wm. Rage a check every month for some new wonderful gem of pain and misanthropy. This cassette is a great place for those who have yet to check them out to become initiated. It features long time contributor, Mason Jones, and it is fucking brutal. Destructive walls of noise mixed with some pretty intense vocals. Rhythms made up of swelling bass tones and the crashing down of mountains. It's still the kind of thing you must not play around children. You gotta be responsible with this kind of stuff. I can't mention the artwork in my review because in full disclosure, I did it. I hope you can find a copy of this. I think the label may have a few more left, although I have a feeling this is destined for a vinyl reissue in the future. Good luck.

Sky Burial "dream decimator" cs

Sky Burial
Dream Decimator
Cathartic Process
(5)

Holy shit. How did I miss this one? I have done you all a disservice by not reviewing this immediately and forcing you all to buy one. This is incredible. When you hear it I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. I think the cover art kinda through me off at first. It's not bad but it's really not my thing. I am not a huge fan of collage and when I saw how long the tape was I think I was assuming this was going to be some epic self indulgent nonsense. How fucking wrong I was. This is long, make no mistake but it is excellent all the way through. Huge waves of sounds that crash around you. Every frequency is being utilized but this is not a HNW. This is layered. This is like the soundtrack to the Earth being created. Lightning strikes of high pitched crackling synths, undulating waves of sub bass drone, deconstructed rhythms and sudden but somehow comforting explosions of harsh noise. It's fucking great. As beautiful in it's sonic delivery as an actual sky burial is to it's corpse. I am in awe.

Tusk/Skarabee split cs

Tusk/Skarabee
happy shopper/eardrum
self released? (Stuart Chalmers)
(4)

This is madness. Immediately from Tusk (not the metal band) you get a loop of a child laughing that starts to evolve into some of the worse things you can imagine. I am actually a little fearful for my brain for having listened to this. Fortunately under all of this there is a high pitched synth note that when it wavers slightly you get something to grab onto. Unfortunately however, a second child's laugh loop then comes in… it just gets more fucked up from there. I love the existence of this. It really, really crazy. Honestly, I am a little worried. Side B is just as fucked up with Skarabee's track. It's like junk jazz loops, R2D2, and that sound Cylons used to make all torn apart in a blender. When someone starts screaming it just gets worse. I love it. You will too. The packaging is a repurposed Sean Maguire cassingle from 1995 wrapped in what can only be what left of Sean's hit "Someone to Love". Tragic.

Check out some samples:
01-Eardrum ( or how to lose your hearing and neighbours) by S.Chalmers tusK
02 - happy shopper (or how to lose friends and money) by S.Chalmers tusK

Blue Sabbath Black Cheer "Autophobia" cs

Blue Sabbath Black Cheer
Autophobia
Gnarled Forest Recordings
(4)

You know how I often compare noise records, especially ones I like, as sounding like explosions? This actually sounds like explosions. Right at the beginning of "Autophobia" you are almost literally bombarded with wave after wave of impending destruction. When the more scraping, stabbing and smashing starts to accompany this constant destruction it's almost a relief. This is another example of why Blue Sabbath Black Cheer is making some of the most dangerous music in the world right now. Well, music isn't the right word. Stan Reed and Wm. Rage don't really care much for music. They are more about communicating hatred. Bless them.

Stephen O'Malley "רומיאו (Romeo)" cs

Stephen O'Malley
‎רומיאו (Romeo)
Editions Mego
(5)

The second in a series of three cassettes, this is recorded live in Jerusalem early this year. A loud, epic glacier of solo guitar noise. This thing doesn't fuck around at forty plus minutes but it needs to be heard in one continuous sitting. The guitar work on this release moves in such subtle and interesting ways that you really might miss some intricacies if you were to passively listen. I encourage you to sit and dissect some of the sounds that come through on this cassette. Piano, synth, violins and maybe vocals seem to be in the mix but it's all guitar. It's pretty amazing to behold. In an edition of 250 copies and packaged with a jcard/booklet full of beautiful and appropriate artwork.

New reviews coming shortly... technical difficulties.

So all is well and I have a few new reviews to post but my camera is not working. I am going to spend the next couple days getting this solved. I may have to use my camera on my phone but it doesn't take pictures quite as nice... I will figure it out. Bare with me.


thanks!

Head Boggle "Ciat Demo as Rhapsodized" cs

Head Boggle
Ciat Demo as Rhapsodized
Cylindrical Habitat Modules
(4)

This is real out there. It's starts off with an expertly played yet abstract piano. Is it a loop or sample. Is Mr. Gedalecia playing it as well? I have no idea. It's accompanied by piercing little squeaks and bleeps from old synths. As the piano falls away you get slight, almost ambient tones. Here and there small rhythms come out of the ether of this composition. From there it continues to get weirder but it also gets more amazing. More piano, mandolin, electric piano, shortwave radio and maybe a group of people all add to the odd choir of this release. It's really quite good. The artwork is spastic and as all over as the music. Recommended.


Update: No samples. No loops. All instrumentation is played by Mr. Gedalecia. Amazing.

Head Boggle - Loudbike Malform (excerpt) by Headboggle

Flesh Coffin "seeing things" cs

Flesh Coffin
seeing things
No Visible Scars
(4)

This is all destruction. Flesh Coffin's "seeing things" sounds like the inside of a tornado. Broken metal lawn furniture, giant uprooted trees, millions of shards of glass all swirl around you. It's unrelenting and intense until you get a short break. Things feel like they have settled, like you could try to gather your belongings. Then it hits again. It's pretty tough. This c30 is an excellent example of No Visible Scars' output. It's harsh, unsettling, and focused. Packaged in their usual 7" sleeve with full color inserts.

A Story of Rats "Thought Forms" lp

A Story of Rats
Thought Forms
Eiderdown Records
(5)

Well, I guess it's about time for the best record of the year to come out. A Story of Rats first voyage into vinyl is sure to not be the last. This beautifully packaged, pressed and printed 12" from Eiderdown is absolutely crucial. Beautifully crafted drones and subtle ambience creates two epic soundscapes. Garek Druss has been known for his work with Tecumseh, Wolveserpent (Pussygutt), This Blinding Light and also as half of Seattle's Dull Knife. His output is pretty impressive and with his (mostly) solo project, A Story of Rats, he has released some very excellent work in the last couple years. Specifically his most recent cassette, Relinquishment, on FSS records really garnered a lot of well deserved attention. This full length seems like what that cassette had been building towards. Eiderdown is one of the Kickstarter success stories and we are glad for them. Their upcoming roster looks incredible but this first release is going to be a tough one to top. Highest recommendation.

Mood Organ "Calcinatio" cassettes

So I really wanted to review some of Timm Mason's (Mood Organ) "Calcinatio" series of cassettes but the scale of his project is too hard to categorize. Kraut rock, Noise, Drone... There is too much going on here to be able to sum up in a few words so I decided a short interview with the man himself might help you to all understand. Enjoy.


1. So what exactly are you doing with these cassettes?

"Visiting A Burning Museum" (cd on Debacle Records) took something like 8 years from start to
completion. After it came out, I was working on a follow-up - "The
Lost Levels", which I hope to release this year - and I started
getting really bogged down mixing these extended compositions with
dozens of layers of audio. I was also conscious that there was new
sonic territory I wanted to annex, and that required me to build up
some new skills. Around this time I was listening to a lot of Raymond
Scott & Delia Derbyshire and also some 7"s that I really liked
(Organum, HNAS, John Wiese). It got me thinking about shorter
compositions.

One morning I woke up with the observation that there are 52 weeks in
a year and 52 cards in a deck. I am interested in this idea of
treating the studio as an alchemical laboratory & this series seemed
like a reasonable analog for the Calcinatio process - a slow, steady
heating to remove impurities. Each tape is a drop of my sweat.



2. I was under the impression that you were originally doing a
cassette a week, is that still the plan?

After a few months, it became painfully clear that one cassette a week
was not going to be possible given my other commitments. I did
complete one cassette every 2 weeks during Year One, to the day
(2/26). I took a couple of months off to pull my life together a bit
& digitize all the tapes from Year One. This week I have resumed the
project. If all goes according to plan, it will be complete
2/26/2012.




3. Is the music on these cassettes all original?

Yes. Most of it is conceived and recorded as fast as I possibly can.
A few of the tapes use older, unreleased material, but they have new
edits / mixes / whatever. 5 Clubs is one of the first recordings I
ever made (2001) and it is a sort of remix of "Let's Stay Together" by
Al Green… in the sense that Lucier's "I Am Sitting In A Room" is a
remix… is that original?



4. The packaging for each tape consists of a Mood Organ playing card
and a case. Do the tracks correlate to the card for any specific
reason? Did you finish a track and think, "yeah, that's the 3 of clubs
right there?"

When I'm about to start a new tape, I draw a card from the deck. The
card may suggest an approach; it may not. 4 Hearts, Q Diamonds, 2
Clubs - these are examples where I feel that there's a link that's
fairly literal, if only to me. Others might use the card in a subtle
way - maybe 7 Spades has a 7-based rhythm in there somewhere, say.
Many have no connection that I'm aware of.

To answer your question in a different way, the tracks correlate to
the cards for the same reason that today's lottery number correlates
to today. What's important is that a correspondence is created, which
will allow for a chance-based live megamix when the deck is complete.
Cassette solitaire.





5. Is there any plan to reissue the tracks in another format (vinyl, cd)?

I'm talking to a label about doing a CD compilation of some tracks
from Year One. It's possible I might do the complete collection on a
thumb drive once it's all over. Also, I'm hoping K Hearts side B will
be a split single with Tom Tom Club some day. I'm open to ideas.



6. If someone was interested in contacting you to purchase a cassette
where can they find you?

Email timm.mason@gmail.com

I really encourage buying a few as they're relatively short (~13
minutes) and differ quite a bit. I will cut you a deal.



7. Being so fucking busy all the time with at least three projects
that i can think of right now, how do you find the time to record
anything?

It's tough. I've had to sacrifice a lot of things I'd like to do. I
wouldn't say I lead a balanced life. A lot of the Calcinatio material
was recorded late at night.



8. Where did you get the playing cards?

They were printed by http://www.hotpromo.com/ and they did a fine job.

Wizard Smoke "The Speed of Smoke" 12"

Wizard Smoke
The Speed of Smoke
Self Released
(3)

I had never heard of Wizard Smoke when I received this and I gotta say I sorta chuckled when I saw the name. I expected some southern rock with tons of weed references. When I got into the record though I gotta say i was pretty surprised. It definitely has a southern feel throughout but there are moments of almost Hawkwind inspired psych and a vocalist that has more in common with black metal singers than with John Garcia. It's actually a pretty cool mix in a 90's Southern Doom Metal sort of way, similar but not exactly like Burning Witch at times. I think this is a band that could fit in nicely in the Southern Lord roster. Although there are a few issues I am not too excited about though. There are some pretty out-of-nowhere vocoder tinged vocals that totally feel out of place. I can't imagine someone in the studio thought that the vocals needed to sound like Styx before it got back to sounding like Buzzoven. Wizard Smoke is awesome enough when they are just blazing through their tracks raw and intense. They do not need any tricks. The record looks pretty great although wherever the jacket was printed doesn't seem to do the best job. It feels kinda flimsy and cheap but the vinyl may be the clearest vinyl I have ever seen. I would suggest checking out this whole record if you get a chance.

Gates "The Prevailing Wind" cs

Gates
The Prevailing Wind
Astral Ra
(4)

I feel that when a lot of kids first got into Sunn0))) they probably saw how cool their records looked, how valuable they seemed to become on eBay, realized that it essentially was two guys with lots of amps and guitars and thought to themselves that they could do that just as well. This mentality produced a wave of doom drone a few years ago that, despite a few exceptions, was pretty awful. This is the same mentality that produced a ton of mediocre comics in the late 90's of people thinking that if you drew all scribbly, you could draw just like Dave McKean or Bill Sienkiewicz (I was definitely guilty of that). Luckily for me and those who have discovered Gates do not have to suffer through subpar ambient doom inspired drone. Although I feel i can definitely hear a Sunn0))) influence, Bryan W Bray is quite adept at creating his own unique soundscapes that range from very heavy and intense to subtle and contemplative. This cassette is some of the best work I have heard from him so far. Brutal and beautiful all at once. I would hunt this down immediately. The packaging is really nicely done as well. A pro printed double sided card with a wrap around piece of printed vellum. Excellent work from my new favorite Canadian.

Breatherholes "give it to you" cs

Breatherholes
give it to you
self released
(4)

When you get a tape that looks like this in the mail, you know you are in for a discovery. I took a few minutes to examine this and figure out what kind of music might be on this one. My blog definitely leans towards harsh, dark and creepy sounds so when I looked at this cover I thought "junk, harsh noise with an ironic hate of the deaf and an equal distaste of cassette tape cases". Seemed like a solid guess. The folded info sheet/sign language card is glued to one side of this tape and the tape itself has the kind of typed labels that you find in a sad christian book store of some jesus rambling cassette. So I was a little surprised when I removed the adhesive and placed this in my player. The music is lo-fi bedroom psych/folk that is definitely a little on the indie side. It exists somewhere near Neutral Milk Hotel and Mt. Eerie but doesn't really sound like either. More sparse and empty but full of almost overwhelming emotion. The songs are mainly acoustic guitar and effected vocals but with the occasional drum,wood block, chime or toy piano accompaniment. The beautiful lyrics and an excellent singing voice are the real strengths of this release. I almost wonder if he uses the very DIY packaging to somehow hide his talent. Like girls who let their hair hang over their faces. This is quite well done.

Remnants "decayed tones" cs

Remnants
decayed tones
Imminent Frequencies
(4)

More excellent minimal drone from Remnants. Subtle layers of tones that create sounds that can resemble a swiftly moving train to a jet engine, warming up. There is a sad undertone to this release. Like you are moving away from something you once loved. Or are being taken away. Simple layout and pro-printed cassettes compliment this beautiful release.

Glass Coffin "laying waste to the kingdom of light" cs

Glass Coffin
Laying Waste to the Kingdom of Light
Annex Scum
(5)

When I was younger, around 1989-90, I used to hang out with some kids that had older brothers. They would hang out in the woods, make huge fires, drink beer, talk about satan and blast metal over a jukebox that leaned against a tree. I would get to tag along and hang back as I learned a whole bunch about being a hesher. It wasn't really were i ended up but I have fond memories of throwing shit in fires and listening to Slayer, Venom, Celtic Frost, Iron Maiden or whatever they had on their warped fourth generation mixed tapes. Glass Coffin immediately brought those memories flooding back. Old school Black Metal done in that amazing lofi "bedroom black metal" I had encountered more and more lately. Four tracks ranging from mid paced to blazing fast and all played by noise guru Josh Lay. This is impressive. It's basically an homage to Bathory, Mayhem and Venom. The audio is perfect with it's mid range guitars and insane mix. Josh Lay continues to impress me with his range of work and this cassette has been a strangely nostalgic trip for me. Summer is coming, it will be the perfect time to get outdoors, put this tape on and then burn your parents lawn furniture to shit.

Gnawed "purge" cs

Gnawed
purge
Maniacal Hatred
(4)

More harsh rage from Gnawed. I am really finding myself pretty into this project. This one starts off with some hypnotic noise loops that slowly builds chaos around it. Almost a bit of a John Carpenter feel. More anxiety and tension than the first cassette that was more in your face. It's definitely still very dark and pissed with the same brutal vocals. It's pretty excellent work. Awesome creepy layout in simple black, white and grey. Good work.

Gnawed "devolve" cs

Gnawed
Devolve
phage tapes
(3)

Gnawed is scary. Heavy almost industrial loops of noise and maybe guitars paired with intense drones of what sounds like every horrible insect swarming your home. Excellent vocals delivered with a harsh intensity that tears through you. Synths that build until they explode into a fountain of feedback. This reminds me a bit of Hair Police meets Josh Lay. Maybe a touch of earlier Gnaw Their Tongues. It's pretty fucking pissed. The layout is a little obvious with it's X-ray images although i like the simple yet heavy typography. Look this up.

Aleph Naught "la conjuration sacree" cs

Aleph Naught
la conjuration sacree
Black Horizons
(5)

The starts out so beautiful. A faraway, haunting piano plays as an intro to what might be an audio illustration of the story of Orpheus. Dark, tragic and mournful. The whole work is crushingly sad and still somehow subtle. It could be a backdrop to your horrible lonely life. This is some very interesting work for this Honduran artist. Limited to 84 copies and totally crucial to help tone down the joy of the coming summer.

Regosphere "gutter swarm" cs

Regosphere
gutter swarm
Phage Tapes
(4)

Regosphere was a total surprise. I didn't know what to expect but, to be honest, the name kinda through me off. I thought it might be wacky junk noise or even vaguely dancey noise type stuff with a name like that. Now that i know what Regosphere sounds like it makes a lot more sense. Imagine Blue Sabbath Black Cheer meets Josh Lay. Heavy, noisy and dark but with a less doomy sound than BSBC but heavier on the vocals. The vocals on this release pierce and break up both the noise walls and subtle melodies throughout. This release is apparently the second in a trilogy called the "swarm trilogy"; dealing with suicide. It's a serious full length; seven tracks over two sides that show a wide range of audio dynamics. Well worth picking up. Packaged in an oversized box with a full color insert. Beautiful work from Phage Tapes.

En Nihil "pyres" cs

En Nihil
pyres
Manical Hatred
(4)

Super harsh electronics. It's slowly evolving but constantly fucking with your ears. Pummeling walls of distortion that crash against your speakers like a tsunami. Piercing tones that break up the rhythms before they disintegrate into the fury. There are moments on this cassette where the whole dimension of the sound changes in such a way that you almost feel as if the room you were listening to it it suddenly changed it's shape and size. Maybe En Nihil could do a soundtrack to House of Dead Leaves. This is pretty fucking destructive to the listener. Maniacal Hatred is becoming a label to pay attention too. Jesus christ. Limited to 48 copies and unfortunately sold out already but discogs may have one for you. Good luck!

Pregnant Spore "death panels" cs

Pregnant Spore
death panels
Danvers State Recordings
(4)

Danvers State Recordings is a label to keep an eye on. So far everything I have heard from them has been very well done. Death Panels by Pregnant Spore from Baltimore's Justin Marc LLoyd is no exception. Dark and spaced out drones that have enough hell and anxiety in them to instill a palpable fear. Slow motion explosions or maybe a faraway earthquake comes to mind. The sounds on the cassette also somehow seem to be coming from a long time ago. Like a cassette you may have found in a time capsule or maybe under a piece of plywood in the forest. I have no idea how Mr. LLoyd was able to achieve this but it sounds amazing and really adds to a subtle uneasiness. Awesome release. Limited to 50 copies. Crucial.

Muennich "rugged" cs

Muennich
rugged
Fragment Factory
(5)

So often when young noise acts start out their first few endeavors show a lack of restraint. They have amassed their pedals and synths and have decided to just do everything all the time. Probably because it's fun but it is not really fun to listen to. Meunnich is all about restraint. Each track on this cassette ends in a furious cacophony but they each start with the slightest sound. A buzzing or maybe a quiet drone then another slight sound lays on top of that and lingers long enough for you to hear them work together. Then another layer and another layer until it builds into a controlled but immense mountain of chaos. It's pretty impressive work from this German artist. Simple black and white packaging with a piece of actual granite inside. LImited to 57 copies.

This Will Destroy You "tunnel blanket" 2xcs

This Will Destroy You
tunnel blanket 2xcs
Suicide Squeeze Records
(4)

This is the cassette version of the new full length from Texas' This Will Destroy You. Eight tracks of giant instrumental rock compositions. It's a style similar to neighbors, Explosions in the Sky, although I would actually say this is a lot of closer to the glacial paced movements of Sigur Ros. It's beautiful, dense and very heavy shoegaze. Some tracks are essentially drone with noise loops and swelling strings. Others songs are slow drum heavy pieces of layered distorted guitars, bass and strings. This record is a massive collection of songs from a Texas quartet that has really come into their own. Excellent work.

Triangle & Rhino/RJ Myato split cs

Triangle & Rhino/RJ Myato split cs
800 Wild!
(4)

Two disparate acts making some pretty intense and bizarre music. First side starts with Triangle & Rhino; a more traditional band with drums and instrumentation playing very untraditional sounds. Noise heavy free jams, strange alien beats and catchy and creepy little riffs that sorta worm their way into your brain. It's very weird but very enjoyable. I knew nothing of these guys before this but I will be on the lookout. The B side is RJ Myato's. It's a brutal HNW that is only interrupted by a strange service announcement that I think informs you that everything is about to be fucked. It's great. Nice simple packaging from 800 wild!

RJ Myato "when I work, I'm nobody" cs

Rj Myato
when I work, I'm nobody
No Nazi Noise
(4)

This guy hates working. I can't say that I don't understand the sentiment but RJ Myato hates work enough to actually create art in response to this hatred. I kinda love that. This two short blasts of fury on a C10. Harsh noise, wails and scraping that sounds like eight hours of rage crammed into five mintues fucked destruction. It's nice to hear someone's pain like this.

Same Sex Dictator cs

Same Sex Dictator
s/t
self released
(3)

Awesome super blazing prog grind from these Seattle lunatics. Four tracks ranging from super fast intensity to belligerent plodding hardcore. It's pretty awesome. There is a couple production issues here and there but if you went out and bought that Ottowa reissue that came out recently you should probably pick this up as well. You will dig it.

Sound Samples!!!!

So I think I am going to start adding sound samples to reviews if the artists want. So for any of you that would like me to include a soundcloud link, bandcamp link or even just send me a mp3, i will post them along with the reviews. I like coming up with descriptions and trying my best to illustrate sounds but I know some readers would love to have even a short sample of the tracks.

Cathartech "Apis" 3"cdr

Cathartech
Apis
Sonic Munitions
(4)

Somehow this slipped through the cracks in my reviewing. I had meant to post this a couple months back so I apologize about that. I would hate to have you have missed out on this one. Two tracks using bees as source material and analog synths. Both excellent examples of AJ Lindner's brand of drone. Recorded live earlier this year and definitely showcases the skill and restraint of the artist. I know that it can be hard for everyone to play 3"cdrs these days (you need a cd player with a tray. no laptops) but I really find this format attractive and always worth it. The size is nice but the limited space usually means that when you are recording for one you really need to be disciplined with your work. Aj Lindner makes excellent use of this format. Grab this if you can here.

Klit "Cock Hunters" cs

Klit
cock hunters
Danvers State Recordings
(3)

You definitely know what you are getting into when you pick this up. From the name, title and artwork you know you will be subjected to something harsh, dark and obscene. Klit does a good job living up to this. Four totally fucked tracks of swirling harsh audio destruction. Just fucking filthy. Limited to 50 copies and almost completely sold out at press time.