PLAYLIST with COMMENTS/REVIEWS

[MT]

Silent Abuse - "Epäsikiö/Narttu" 7 inch
Never seen anyone comment this much, which I find weird cause I believe this came out in the wild dayz of F&V. Not a F&V release but heavily related. Epäsikiö side has cruchy wall of noise and intense female vocals talking and shouting about how she wants to get rid of a deformed child. Putting it in a bag kick it to the ground. "Narttu" side starts with boots walking on the floor and low intense hiss of noise. Continues with kicking/whipping session sounds of a male slave, chains tingling. Ends abruptly just when the dominatrix starts  aggressive shouting, mid sentence. All good clean fun! Perhaps not the most noise hit 7" but definately a good one.

Gerogerigegege - "Mother Fellatio" 7 inch
Bought this last summer as a bday present to myself. Pretty much the most perfect noise 7" there is. Essential to any collector, or a noise fan. Sadly goes for high prices nowdays, and even last summer. Dozens of one-two-three-fours and intense, brutal, and wild noise for seconds. 10 out of 10.

[FreakAnimalFinland]

Last night, Cherry Point "Black Witchery" CD,
Troniks
three short releases compiled on CD and reissued on digipak. Harsh noise with very electric and sharp approach.

John Duncan / Mika Vainio / Ilpo Väisänen 9 suggestions CD.
Not that special, despite duncan and pan sonic dudes. Some louder stuff in beginning, and then pretty quiet electronics.

Karl Runau "Beyond Frequency" CD
Galakt Horro
came 4 years after Osmose album (which was recently reissued). It is nowhere near as good as debut album was. Vocals have "better" production, which is kind of shame, as the debut has such odd lo-fi vocals. Music is also quite different. Clumsy and simplistic experimental industrial. Drum machines and synths, often kind of random and not in sync. That isn't problem at all. It is kind of shame that nowadays so much industrial or electronic music is kind of mathematically in tempo, and for example the above mentioned Panasonic or Mika Vainio early works were best exactly when they were oddly out-of-sync and drifting in chaotic polyrhythmic patterns.  Perhaps in this album, I am not just fan of sounds and production.

Händer som Vårdar "Never Blink" tape.
I didn't know if this project was even active. Some of the Swedes of "this style", seemed to slow down or disappear. This tape is newest thing I just got. 2019! Crackles, analogue tape processing and all that gives dark and decayed feel, but music itself is calm and atmospheric drones, subtle sounds and reversed tapes, hands-on modulations and processing. Song develops noisier and noisier. Not sure if he plays this live, but could be? It feels to me, that Sewer Election tape works, Altar of Flies, even Arv & Miljö gets mentioned far more often, and Hänser Som Vårdar sure got one LP on Järtecknet, but other than that, just fairly small tape releases scattered here and there. I am not sure if artists doesn't want to do CDs or something, but would feel odd that stuff this good wouldn't be hunted by people who run labels that put out "albums"? Tape sure has better stuff on in that Karl Runau or Duncan/pansonic guys... hah..

[Theodore]

Iugula-Thor - Penetration Practice Pledge -GROSS- tape : The first arrival of the new year came earlier in the week. Just played. I remember Opera be noise, this is power electronics, of the old-school 'uneasy' kind. Heavy mass of dirty sound, so good ! Half an hour, when it finished i felt completed. But now typing this, is calling me back. Going to listen again.

Edit : Have to remark how rich high frequencies sound here. By Sshe Retina Stimulants. And the overall 'space' . Air live recording ? Like you are in the room !

[impulse manslaughter]

Nicole 12 - "Braces" 7inch
Breaking in a new vinyl player and decided to toss this on the platter. Other than how good it sounds, the material is probably the best N12 there is. All the elements I like, pulsating synth, tasteful scrap metal rattle, effected spoken word vocals with excellent lyrics. What else do you need? There are no weak spots in N12 discography, but sits on the top for sure.

Just listened to this one the other day myself. Still my favorite N12 material. "In The Spotlight" is the kind of hit track 7"s are made for.

Yes, one of my favorites as well. I actually somehow vividly remember the moment i played it the first time.

Some stuff I recently bought + listened to;

Evil Moisture - Gak CD; love EM and bought this 90's 'classic' because the original LP is missing here. I like the chaotic, spastic cut-up noise collages but it demands a lot of attention and somewhere halfway I lose interest. The short EM releases seem to work better for me. Still, nice to own.

Julius Eastman - 3 Extended Pieces For 4 Pianos 2CD; the 3 titles for the songs are like an autobiography; 1. Evil Nigger, 2 Gay Guerrilla, 3 Crazy Nigger. Outsider mininal music composer/low-life from the 70s with some of his most well known pieces. Enduring organic piano drones like a mix of Glenn Branca and Phillip Glass. Exhausting, extreme music but somehow also rewarding. Not something I'd play often but a nice listening experience.

Aprapat - Hot Lava Shampoo CD; crunchy harsh noise with enough variety to keep me entertained. In your face mastering that's punchy but missing some dirt. I have to give it a few more spins but certainly left a decent first impression.

Sarah Davachi & Sean McCann - Mother of Pearl CD; great cover artwork with subtle gold foil printing. Family affair from this couple. Never heard Davachi's music but she's pretty well known I guess. Bought this mostly because I try to follow Recital Records. This 70 min. cd includes a bonus ep but the whole things floats by without noticing you're listening to 2 different releases. Great mix of field recordings, drones, etc. Works both in the background or as a focussed listening experience. Lot's of little details to be discovered.

Eliane Radigue - Opus 17 2CD; minimal feedback works from 1970. I have 1 other Radigue cd and rarely listen to it because it's too subtle/minimal for my taste. Decided to give this one a try and it's indeed much better. These pieces creating a nice claustrophobic, nihilistic atmosphere. Reminded me a bit of William Basinski or closer to home; Kevin Drumm ‎– Imperial Distortion. Nice discovery.

Pain Jerk & John Wiese - Chocolate Grinder 7"; one sided 7" that feels like a leftover track from their collaboration material but god damn, what a perfect harsh noise assault. Impossible to play just once.

Joe Colley - Trying To Play Other 7"; typical Colley work; conceptual but also with an eye for sound and composition. Spoken word, randomly played by a CD player on shuffle, edited into 2 sound collages. Always a pleasure to hear his latest material.

Wolf Eyes - Dull Murder 7"; bought this to complete my set of Wolf Eyes 7"s. Just another typical Wolf Eyes record but I kinda forgot how good they were in their heydays. Have a stack of their cd's upstairs. Guess it's time to revisit and get nostalgic.

Rectifier - Atonement 7"; hard to find and obscure 7" from 83. Released on the classic hardcore label Local Anesthetic and hailing from Denver. On my wantlist for years and I finally was able to grab a copy. In 83 this was distributed in the UK by Come Org somehow. Don't know if there was a connection, it's hard to find any info on this mysterious act. Cover looks like a classic power electronics release but the sounds are more lofi rumbling and analog noise mixed with some vocal samples. Certainly has a classic feeling to it and certainly worth checking out.

[tiny_tove]

Iugula-Thor - Penetration Practice Pledge -GROSS- tape : The first arrival of the new year came earlier in the week. Just played. I remember Opera be noise, this is power electronics, of the old-school 'uneasy' kind. Heavy mass of dirty sound, so good ! Half an hour, when it finished i felt completed. But now typing this, is calling me back. Going to listen again.

Edit : Have to remark how rich high frequencies sound here. By Sshe Retina Stimulants. And the overall 'space' . Air live recording ? Like you are in the room !

I still believe the this and wheel of the process are Iugula's best works. This tape has some monster sounds.

[acsenger]

Eliane Radigue - Opus 17 2CD; minimal feedback works from 1970. I have 1 other Radigue cd and rarely listen to it because it's too subtle/minimal for my taste. Decided to give this one a try and it's indeed much better. These pieces creating a nice claustrophobic, nihilistic atmosphere. Reminded me a bit of William Basinski or closer to home; Kevin Drumm ‎– Imperial Distortion. Nice discovery.

I got this last week and have to say I have yet to warm to it after a couple listens, but I'm not giving up. I used to have a couple of Radigue's feedback works and I ended up selling them because I also found them too minimal (as in there was too little change in them for my taste; it seemed like almost nothing was happening throughout the CDs). Her Œuvres Électroniques 14CD box, however, is a completely different story: after some hesitation I bought it last year after hearing some very promising sound samples, and am I glad I did! It contains works she made after switching from feedback to an analogue synthesiser and they are a lot more interesting in my opinion. One of her works dealing with Tibetan Buddhism includes a part that sounds like demons from hell (but not in a black metal way), no doubt an allusion to the many demons in Tibetan Buddhism. It's definitely one of the highlights of a fantastic box set.

[Zeno Marx]

along with the previous getting back to basics...

Walter Marchetti – De Musica Inversa 4CD 2010 - has all the highly recommended and more - "Per La Sete Dell'Orecchio" is a fine piece of rock dropping and water kehr-ploops and kehr-plunks - quite the collection of greatness - this seems like the collection to get if you want just one Marchetti in your library.

Iannis Xenakis - Edition RZ 2CD 2003 - focus on CD2 - "Persepolis" 1971; psychedelic, industrial noise with a menacing monster's appetite in the hold of an old wooden ship; Astro, CCCC, TNB, Hal Hutchinson, NwW's Salt Marie Celeste with The Terror - the final track, "Polytope de Cluny" 1972, is of the same industrial spirit, but with wind and glass-like, organic sounds and waves of rolling sand crashing on a redefined shore.  I'm a little confused if there are other "Persepolis" recordings or if they're using the same one on various releases and remixing and/or remastering it.  You'll find it timed at anywhere from 50 minutes to 60+ minutes.  Such an amazing piece of industrial work and from 1971.

[impulse manslaughter]

"Per La Sete Dell'Orecchio" is a fine piece of rock dropping and water kehr-ploops and kehr-plunks

This is the B-side of his 3rd LP. Played it yesterday actually. It's nice but I especially like the other side of this one. I also have the La Caccia LP w/ just field recordings of animals and am still looking for the 2nd LP.

I remember Ulex Xane mentioned Marchetti once as a major influence, which I found surprising.

[Zeno Marx]

"Per La Sete Dell'Orecchio" is a fine piece of rock dropping and water kehr-ploops and kehr-plunks

This is the B-side of his 3rd LP. Played it yesterday actually. It's nice but I especially like the other side of this one. I also have the La Caccia LP w/ just field recordings of animals and am still looking for the 2nd LP.

I remember Ulex Xane mentioned Marchetti once as a major influence, which I found surprising.

Back when, Anomalous unearthed a box of these original press LPs, selling them for $4.99 or $6.99.  Also when you weren't likely to find anything from him if not for such an unearthing.

[Verkhaner]

Pain Jerk - Trashware CD
Pure
Classic Japanese goodness. Had this lying around for some time and it's probably the first time I have heard this in years. Instant win for this one. Especially like that hard crunch that is always underlying.


Snuff - III CD
Filth and Violence
For me, early Snuff is pretty much perfect PE. When III came, I was a bit underwhelmed by the lack of feedback, but this is growing on me more and more. Great dark and menacing brooding sounds, way more experimental than the classic Feedback ripping, but really works.

[Lazrs3]

Astro - Far in The Distance – Abhorrent Creation Tapes – 2021

Astro is a Japanese project that was started in 1993 by Hiroshi Hasegawa of CCCC. Since 2013, Astro has been a duo with Hiroko Hasegawa – I am usure if both artists are related. Releases date back to 1994, starting with Moog Resuscitation on Ant-Zen in 1994. Astro has also released on Phage Tapes, RRR, Trashfuck, Important and Fusty Cunt amongst many labels – this latest release is on French label Abhorrent Creation Tapes.

Cluster Amaryllis starts off with field recordings that drip and echo to build an image of an empty wet space – this creates the canvas which the work can play out onto. The rise of intensity comes through the increase in the water pouring and gradual introduction of glitching sounds that spark off each other until a thicker ambient atmosphere arises. There is an increase in the amount of noise used, these creak, roll and gradually fill up the sound creating a playoff of noises that is backed by continuous, foreboding drones.  The density of the sound increases as the number of noises grows. Things become blurred as chaos gradually sets in, individual noises take turns to take prominence in the picture that is formed. I like how the ambient drones from the start of the work eventually shine through the chaos as a smaller palette of noise shoots across the scene. The work intensifies and begins to die off several times towards the latter part of the track, the final die off allows the drones to cut through and dominate the chaos and lead it towards an end.

Subtle conversations of small noises are the start of Rebel Moon and Emotional Resolution, which allows a longer passage of minimal, quieter noises to fire off each other. The conversational aspect is emphasized by some of the noises sounding like voices or vocal based noise throughout the track. There is a good 5 minutes of this before a measured build up starts, bigger drones and blasting distortion build a sound that has thicker lines of noise going through it than before. Sharper sounds cut across this to build distinct layers. At different points there is a warped feel to Rebel Moon that arcs across the track, this is coupled with a clearer sense of violence that erupts into the picture. Digital blasts emerge as the chaos increases, until it peters out.

The sound on this release is made by overlaying a range of noises in small and big, busy combinations. Astro does this by allowing the work to start or reduce to passages of quieter interaction for things to then get louder and for chaos to erupt which is then controlled and manipulated. I was impressed by the mastery of the sounds made to move things along and ensure that they shift continuously. Far in the Distance is two passages of sonic communication erupting into violence, both fights move differently yet meet similar ends. This is a demonstration of good, layered chaos.

[MT]

Sakset - "Salaisuuksien Puutarha" LP
Elektro project of members of Circle and Terveet Kädet. Highly enjoyable disco'ish electro with a really strong 80s vibe, nearly Commandore 64 type sounds. Accompanied by trademarks ughs and öghs of Läjä Äijälä. Very enjoyable album with the odd pairing of sweet retro sound and nearly spoken poetry like vocals of Läjä.

STROM.ec - "Dogs of Total Order" LP
What can be said about an album that everything has been said about? A milestone album in Finnish industrial, brooding and intense soundscape, broken by militaristic rhythm parts and trademark vocals of T. Myöhänen. It's like being a part of Finnish military during war times, harsh coldness stiffening your muscles, eventually going to your bones. But Victory is a Question of Stamina, as the slogan goes. Essential release just like Genocide Organ's "Mind Control" or any Con-Dom release.

Sektion B - "Power is Nothing Without Control" LP
Always overlooked Sektion B, live LP. I am a sucker a for Sektion B's style. Simple yet effective synth backgrounds, and the duo vocal work is what makes this for me. One voice preaching the sermons, and the other more powerful voice supporting with screaming the main slogans. Perfect formula for my power electronics needs. Themes are also, one might say "classic" but they are right down my alley. This live LP is kind of their first full lenght I believe? After a murky opener track the album really starts with full force. Looming death synth on "Hate" at the end of side A is fucking perfect. And side B starts where A left off, tasty synth with just the right amount of edge and distortion, waving around. I never got to see Sektion B live, but I'd take a guess they were pretty damn solid live act.

[HateSermon]

Cryocene - "Exclave"

New collaborative project between Stefan Aune (Kjostad) and Matt Boettke (Scant). This was a blind buy for me as both collaborators continuously produce strong work and are titans of US noise. It was also strange that no one that I knew was talking about this release - I couldn't find any buzz around it, which made me even more curious.
I was not disappointed! Each track is a pensive soundscape of deep droning synths and strategically planned junk/metal noise loops placed over top. Sometimes a harsh avalanche and sometimes strangely meditative, slipping into the void. Mastered by Grant Richardson so you know that the sound quality is top notch. I do hope there's more where this came from. Favorite track: Forge of Ashes. CD is available at New Forces, Cloister, and I'm sure a few others.

[Baglady]

UMPIO - Trankilo MCD (Freak Animal, 2017)
Together with Molesterol and last years' Kulotos, this is peak Umpio for me. So far, I should say, as he just gets better and better. Trankilo... nothing tranquil about it. An oil-spitting, unsafely built piece of nasty machinery is what this is. Rustling, shaking, whitehot mechanics chewing away, with burning electric currents bleeding from cables and wires. And what a sensation of space! An almost cinematic experience, both in headphones and speakers. Superb sound design, excellent noise.

V/A - Finish 2x7" (Drahtfunk-Products, 1996)
Came to think about this one when reading the compilation thread over at ghe Scream & Writhe forum. Not an all time favorite (got it two years ago maybe), but I'm always thrilled when I bring it out. Brume, Astro, MSBR, Salt, Contagious Orgasm, Thirdorgan, Aube and Macronympha. Not all killer, but certainly no filler. They all do their thing. Hand printed/painted/cut cover with three double sided inserts and a great lineup, still cheap and easy to find... What's not to love?

[Soloman Tump]

Cryocene - "Exclave"

New collaborative project between Stefan Aune (Kjostad) and Matt Boettke (Scant). This was a blind buy for me as both collaborators continuously produce strong work and are titans of US noise. It was also strange that no one that I knew was talking about this release - I couldn't find any buzz around it, which made me even more curious.
I was not disappointed! Each track is a pensive soundscape of deep droning synths and strategically planned junk/metal noise loops placed over top. Sometimes a harsh avalanche and sometimes strangely meditative, slipping into the void. Mastered by Grant Richardson so you know that the sound quality is top notch. I do hope there's more where this came from. Favorite track: Forge of Ashes. CD is available at New Forces, Cloister, and I'm sure a few others.

I was meaning to listen to the Cryocene album, so thanks for the reminder.

Today I have been listening to Culver & Haare - Invisible Death (narco tape) which I purchased after watching the Haare episode of the WCN podcast.  Excellent longform drones with subtle noise variations throughout.  Culver is an artist who largely evades the digital world, and the works I have of theirs are excellent so this seemed like a good choice to pick up.  I will try and get some more Haare works on the back of this, as I very much enjoyed the podcast.  Seems like a good choice getting these artists to work together.