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#1
Last post by k.p.g - Today at 07:47:39 PM
Black Leather Jesus / MSBR - Sonic Destruction (Deadline Recordings)
The original LP, in all its glory! Love the hand stitched package that I assume Ramirez made for this one. Speaking of, just how is this Black Leather Jesus side? Well, fucking fantastic, for one. Opens up feeling less like a full band effort, and more like a "pass the aux chord" around of stylings. You get some guitar squelches, some rumble tumble crunch and even some vocal exercising before it all just explodes into that BLJ cacophony that is so deeply revered. And with this particular era of the group, that cacophony is sitting almost exclusively in the mid-range, which I personally prefer to the group's more low end-heavy affairs. Makes me imagine a group of people trapped in a mine, with each one fighting to make their voice heard the loudest. Sometimes someone pokes through greater than another, but it is never really for too long. Glorious.
MSBR jumps out the gate with just a ROAR. Stupid to say, but I imagine Koji's synth to have a button that says "EVIL" written across it, as that just is the tone this fuckin' thing nails so perfectly that it had to have been dialed in to a key. As much as I love Koji's more experimental routes he takes with the project, this is the sound that made me fall in love with MSBR to begin with. It's relentless, unforgiving, and yet very unique in terms of its approach to harsh noise from other Japanese artists; far more American than anything else. Even with the second track, despite it having its harsh moments, its far more spaced out than any other contemporaries in the region of that time. This wouldn't feel too out of place in Michigan perhaps. Lovely stuff all around.
While I bought this one initially to have my MSBR expand by one more, BLJ really came to play here. Fantastic work on both ends.
Miscarriage - DOA (American Tapes)
Oh yeah, this the stuff. 20 years ago, the stars aligned and the grouping of John Olson, Greh Holger, Aaron Dilloway and Mike Connelly was formed to deliver this gnarly slab of midwest darkness. The 4 of them each put their own version out on their respective label, but it ended up being the American one that I would come across in the bins of Hanson Records a few years back. It comes with a bonus CDr attached, but that material honestly pales in comparison to the LP. I'd almost go as far as to say it is "inessential."
When it comes to the LP though, yeah, it is dark as hell, but also pretty aggressive for the personnel involved. If I could compare it to anything else from this crew at the time, it would maybe be Wolf Eyes during the Human Animal period, but even this has far more PE leanings than that record did. The vocals that crop up halfway through are maniacal. I tried to pry Olson for who did 'em and got stonewalled. It could really be any 4 of them, and that's a lovely mystery to have. While that goes on, the typical Dilloway loops and Olson sax musings are drenched in nicely with layers of distortion of menacing synth drive. It all comes together so nicely. For a first (and really, only) outing, it's a great one. I could have seen the makings for a more "legit" PE type of project for these 4 if they wanted to stick it out long-term, but then that begs the question of "would I still have the same sense of wonder about this LP if they did more?" Sometimes you just have lightning in a bottle.
#2
Last post by Johann - Today at 06:48:23 PM
Quote from: Wainhouse on January 25, 2026, 06:17:04 AMMy mailbox waits for Untitled 11. In the meantime, I had a thought: are there any zines about the internet? Opinions if so?
Not related to noise, but specifically to the question at hand. I recently came across a book called "the Internet and everyone" by John Chris Jones that is about early Internet (Jones was born in 1927, and started writing about these ideas as early as the mid 50s) it's an extremely fun and readable book attempting to show the Internet as it was then in 2000.
This is his website if your looking to get an idea
www.publicwriting.netYou could also read about Cybernetics which does have some historical cross over into the world of early electronic/experimental music
----
On topic I think the Internet as source material has existed since it became a dominant source of content in our lives and was purposely obscured because it may have been seen as taboo in earlier years due to the fetishization of analog sources and content.
It has only been in the last few years I've seen an open acknowledgement of sound sources from stuff such as YouTube etc and mentions of recording to IPhone etc...
Regarding content specifically about internet it seems like some Jilat was doing back in the time on Chondritic Sound forum, I personally was uninterested in his projects and perspectives since he was doing a lot of seemingly computer based extremely long form stuff that might be classified as "pure noise"...I can't honestly speak to if my impressions time time are right or wrong in hindsight as I don't know if he still is involved in sound or the community.
#3
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on Today at 09:47:06 AMThis type of thing is very important to most, including also myself. Of course I would survive without noise gigs, sure, but the gatherings of likeminded, that happens frequently enough, but NOT all the time, is good.
At least to me it feels that when you got month or two between seeing people, you actually got things to discuss. I ain't the type of guy sitting daily for coffee, or friends couch, talking whatever. No thanks. It is more like people discussing what is happening, planning, even sort of brainstorming. Perhaps invitations to collaborate or whatever. Then everybody goes on their own ways. Often somewhat vitalized by idea that there is actually small interests to what they do. Someone asked for compilation. Someone asked if planning any gigs. Someone talking about the best Merzbow CD you just finally managed to get. Sometimes absolutely nerdy stuff. Sometimes more serious. Yet, at least I can't take the non-stop social scene thing at all. There has to be the balance of when you talk and when you do. And if nothing gets done, what is there to talk about? It's not some sort of obligation, of course, but it would feel weird if I'd go to gig, someone asks what's happening lately and I would be like "nothing...". It is without exception, when I return from noise gig, back home, there is intense will to create, play and record. Plan things and execute things. Yet, the certain amount of loneliness or at least being alone is mandatory to even get started anything worth doing. No point in jamming for fun, hah..
I agree. At least personally, the lack of access to the "social scene" (it's just too far from me for that level of daily connection) is what makes the chance meetings so meaningful and productive/inspiring. If I see people once every month or so, then I have the time to record some new CDs to share and distribute.
#4
In this episode, it is mr. WCN who is most interesting, when not only he does the sort of "PR job" like most in episode, but has longer piece about the dilemma of values / attitudes / politics in noise. Balancing somewhere in accepting noise ain't just one kind of culture, but includes quite wide spectrum of personalities, but also insisting there may be necessity to make clear what host of show stands for. I don't know what exactly man is planning, but since there's been many types of people, but I am pretty sure IF there would be artists who even moderately would hint he may not absolutely hate the current US president, there would be consequences. If not actual, at least there would be this collective thought that it should or at least could? It seems to be the pinnacle of conflict. I mean, of course, that revolving around this particular topic would be totally dumb, but other somehow heated topics or projects included could bring neat tension. I don't know what type of hate mail Oskar have received or if negative remarks online has been annoying, but I have my doubts if it could be anything very severe.. unless the mentioned lack of reactions? One would hope public episodes, noise zines and such, would stir more discussions. Function as openings. For me they have worked like that most of the time.
#5
Onko kiinnostusta? Tilasin tänään nipun tämmösiä Marhaugilta Suomeen. Hinta 22€. Pers Bestin kokoinen möhkäle. Varaa:
aktirecs@gmail.comThe follow-up magazine to PERSONAL BEST (ten issues, 2011-2024). This new publication follows the same formula – long in-depth interviews with a wide range of great artists, as well as photos and artwork – but the design is new, there
are written pieces, no ads, and it will follow a regular annual publication schedule. 88 pages offset printed CMYK (with Pantone on cover), sewn-glued binding with a 9mm spine, and folded flaps cover – a slightly more deluxe upgrade from
PERSONAL BEST. It is also printed in a smaller edition. Produced, edited and designed by Lasse Marhaug.
Issue 1 has interviews with: Government Alpha • Ronny Wærnes • Mental Overdrive • Fredrik Nilsen
• Stina Stjern • Jérôme Noetinger • Jim O'Rourke • Ralf Wehowsky • Michèle Bokanowski
– and a lengthy survey on Metamkine's 1990's Cinéma Pour L'Oreille 3"CD-series.
#6
Last post by Atrophist - Today at 02:21:22 PM
Quote from: Stipsi on Today at 12:17:36 PMQuote from: MT on Today at 10:11:42 AMGreat topic! I think loneliness, or solitude, is common among noise fans. Just by being such a niche thing to be interested about. I've talked about this with other people, how in a way I cherish those early days of "noise loneliness". There was no Facebook, was not into zine culture yet, Chrondritic Sound forum seemed a bit too intimidating, posted there couple times but mostly read what big boys were discussing. But there was no outlet personally to talk about noise, it created an interesting insular state of mind. Living in a small town back then, there was hardly anyone to talk about anything remotely intellectual. There was no outside "noise" to dictate what album is good and what's not. Created this unbiased taste in the beginnings. Observe record sleeves throughly, watch live pictures online to get some kind of idea what's going on. Ordering stuff from distros on a hunch, or by relation to some other project. I am very happy I got to experience my introduction to noise and power electronics this way, discovering and wondering. Waiting for each album to arrive like Christmas.
Nowdays it's completely different, Facebook groups are great for sharing favorite records, this forum naturally (which I should post more to) and even Whatsapp groups with likeminded brigade of noise heads. It's a great way to communicate and share ideas, whenever you feel like reading them and replying. I have no time to "hang out" with noise people every day or even every week. But like Mikko mentioned above, gigs are great places to share thoughts, ideas of new recordings, new live gigs and in general create bonds with people. Maybe the excitement of hunting and discovering is somewhat diluted, but I believe can also be achieved, just depends on the circumstances of an individual.
And to answer the question of the topic; yes and no. Loneliness is needed to create the mindset, but it can also be helpful to have other push me around every now and then.
Hey, if there's WhatsApp and Telegram noise groups let me know!
Cheers!
Not to presume or butt in, but I second this. I've come to absolutely despise "normal" social media -- although as someone who organizes shows I can't get away from it altogether.
#7
Last post by Stipsi - Today at 12:17:36 PM
Quote from: MT on Today at 10:11:42 AMGreat topic! I think loneliness, or solitude, is common among noise fans. Just by being such a niche thing to be interested about. I've talked about this with other people, how in a way I cherish those early days of "noise loneliness". There was no Facebook, was not into zine culture yet, Chrondritic Sound forum seemed a bit too intimidating, posted there couple times but mostly read what big boys were discussing. But there was no outlet personally to talk about noise, it created an interesting insular state of mind. Living in a small town back then, there was hardly anyone to talk about anything remotely intellectual. There was no outside "noise" to dictate what album is good and what's not. Created this unbiased taste in the beginnings. Observe record sleeves throughly, watch live pictures online to get some kind of idea what's going on. Ordering stuff from distros on a hunch, or by relation to some other project. I am very happy I got to experience my introduction to noise and power electronics this way, discovering and wondering. Waiting for each album to arrive like Christmas.
Nowdays it's completely different, Facebook groups are great for sharing favorite records, this forum naturally (which I should post more to) and even Whatsapp groups with likeminded brigade of noise heads. It's a great way to communicate and share ideas, whenever you feel like reading them and replying. I have no time to "hang out" with noise people every day or even every week. But like Mikko mentioned above, gigs are great places to share thoughts, ideas of new recordings, new live gigs and in general create bonds with people. Maybe the excitement of hunting and discovering is somewhat diluted, but I believe can also be achieved, just depends on the circumstances of an individual.
And to answer the question of the topic; yes and no. Loneliness is needed to create the mindset, but it can also be helpful to have other push me around every now and then.
Hey, if there's WhatsApp and Telegram noise groups let me know!
Cheers!
#8
Last post by Stipsi - Today at 12:15:31 PM
I always lived in small villages with max 4k or less inhabitants on the hills.
Pretty isolated.
I'm not an antisocial person, but
loneliness and solitude is pretty common for me, both as "intent" and forced, because having peculiar artistic interests in places like mine, is not properly accepted.
I'm a solitary person for nature and this doesn't affect me at all.
Most of my free time I'm alone.
But honestly, as MT said, having forums and social media groups to share noise beliefs is a sorta of cathartic therapy.
At least for me.
#9
Last post by pentd - Today at 11:31:32 AM
Achtung!!
Change of plans. Kartio set is cancelled, instead we have a set from AZURE ADMIN!
These are after all student concerts, it's a house priority
Elikkäs oppilasvoimin vedetään tällä kertaa, sehän on talon prioriteetti!
#10
Last post by pentd - Today at 11:27:28 AM
Kiitos kaikille!!
Xlent evening displaying a variety of different flavors of noizu!!
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