Good 24 hours of noise being slotted in for jams...
Work/Death - No Workers Paradise (Chthonic Streams)
Was sent a rip of this portion of a larger, 8-tape set to listen to. Each artist is given their own C60, and I was told that this Work/Death material stands out among his best work. "What could have been?" is a question that many find themselves asking when this man is brought into discussion. I think this tape shows what could have been; more environmental sounds that pulsate like cold machinery driving industry. There are moments of beautiful synth work to be had but you must earn the right to hear it. With that in mind, I consider the A-Side to be some of his best work across the board. B-Side did not hold my interest as much but it is still quality stuff. Wish this could have been a standalone release solely for the fact that I think it is the last Work/Death we will ever hear. No slight to the rest of the comp, but knowing that makes me wish he got the chance to give this as a definitive "goodbye."
PainJerk - Alchemistry (A.M.P.)
So I had ordered a copy of The Artificial Nerve compilation on Xerxes a few weeks back, and only decided last night that I would put it on. Now imagine my shock when it turns out this tape is not as long and sounds like only one artist. What the hell? Well, it turns out it was PainJerk all along! I resolve this issue quickly, and will give the tape back to its owner... after another listen.
This is the kind of material that lives up to the hype of 90s PainJerk. Flashes of harsh synth work mingle with pulsating industrial rhythms that have been churned through the meatgrinder of whatever filter this man uses on this material. Despite containing rhythm, there is no melody to be found here. I don't need it though. This is hellfire on tape and I am here for it.
Aube/Smell & Quim - G-Radiation/The Transubstantiation of the Shit of Christ (Fever Pitch Music)
You think 500 copies actually got made? Probably not. Funny to think that is the case though. Anyways, great split. Is it just me, or does Aube really pair the best with more humorous acts? I find his work to be so serious and composed that you need a jab of humor in there to make it feel like you aren't being lectured. That is where Smell & Quim enter the picture. There side is such a goofy sideshow of samples and guitar shredding that it makes the Aube side function as this monolith gateway to the carnival. They play off each other very well here; highly recommend seeking this one out if you can! It isn't too expensive on the resale market.
Another good example of Aube playing well with humor is the collab with Cock E.S.P. if you need more beyond this.
