PLAYLIST with COMMENTS/REVIEWS

[k.p.g]

Noise-heavy weekend of gigging and recording does not mean I have lost the time to get in some listening!  So here it goes...

Gretchen Gonzales - "A Mystery Behind Every Turn" (Easy Listening)
A mainstay of early Michigan noise scene returned from a lull of activity to deliver this guitar-based creeper a few years back.  I saw her play with the Universal Eyes quartet back in 2019, and that was a knockout concert, so I have always been curious to hear her on her own.  I like this tape quite a bit!!  Despite the presence of guitar chords being felt throughout, this does not feel like a "noodling" type of record.  It sits firmly in that basement murk that Gretchen's efforts in the 90s/00s had.  Maybe more will come down the line from her, although it seems like she plays in more traditional band settings nowadays.

Walde Mar - Public Speaker (Thorns in Roses)
Newest solo effort from Luk Henderiks, who previously performed under New Grasping Machina for a number of years.  I have seen the transformation of their noise pretty firsthand, and can say that this tape is a good sign of things to come.  Rather than try to do a number of styles all at once, this tape focuses on a pretty hazy drone with some scraping loops to boot.  It is only a C10, so I guess we will have to wait for more to come.  I'm sure it will be even better than this.

Todd Anderson-Kunert - cold (Gracious Host)
One of those tapes that I had purchased years ago, purged from my collection, and then ended back up with through trade.  At the time of first purchasing it, tape-saturated ambient was not in my wheelhouse of things to appreciate.  I needed harsh, god damnit!  Nowadays, this is a great tape to wake up and make breakfast to (which is exactly what I did with it earlier).  This one carries you gently along without ever getting into too "clean" of an ambient territory.  Sounds like slowing your tape deck down to 3RPM; GREAT.

Scathing - No Night Worth Saving (Phage Tapes)
I think it was 2 years to the day that Kenny gave me this disc in a trade at a show we played together.  It ended up in a duffel bag, then a box, and now in front of my stereo.  It's a miracle this thing didn't get lost or foolishly sold off because it surprised quite a bit with its range of sound!  Starts off with red-hot harsh noise; ok, to be expected from Scathing.  Harsh noise eventually enters that delay-stutter cut-up style before taking a very strange turn into moody loop churning.

"What the hell?  Since when do Scathing releases slow down?  And did I just hear some ambient sounds?!"

Yup, I was thrown for a loop in the best way possible.  I am not sure how much I see this one tossed around in the modern noise landscape, or even in the discussion of best Scathing releases... It should be in both talks though!

Merzbow - Last of Analog Sessions, Vol. 1 - Catapillar (Important Records)
Well shit, man; I needed a soundtrack to write to!  This disc set is pretty easy to break out and enjoy in pieces.  Sounds like Masami just let everything fly since he was going to make the full turn to laptop after this was out (although I am sure a few analog recordings probably came out after... label delays, etc.).  Only complaint is the spelling of "caterpillar" ... label should have stepped in on that one.

[HateSermon]

Legion V.K. - Nightmare Division cassette. Fieldwork & Endangered Species co-release 2025

Judging by the cover and title, I thought this release was going to be some hard-hitting PE but its much more abstract and experimental than that. I don't know for certain who's all involved in this recording but I do know Golden Purifier is part of it so if you're familiar with his work and sensibilities then you'll have a rough idea of what to expect. Hellish soundscapes, flanged spoken vocals drenched in tape delay, beat-oriented industrial sounds, and scraping metal field recordings are all present here. Definitely puts you in a type of mood. Excellent artwork and attention to detail on the jcard in typical Fieldwork fashion. Recommended. Looks like the tape is sold out from the label but I remember seeing it mentioned somewhere [instagram?] that a CD reissue will be out later this year.

[k.p.g]

Max Julian Eastman - Recycled (RRR)
The newest entry in the ever-so lovely Recycled series is one that couldn't be more fitting.  Max is already quite the remix artist with his own sound sources, so it makes sense for him to join this series.  If you are familiar with his work, then you know what is in store; tons of tape soup and other delectable sound collage for the ears to feast on!

[k.p.g]

Macronympha - Relentless Agony (Tribe Tapes, reissue)
I find this disc to be an interesting and oh-so needed reissue because it sits as a perfect precursor to what become a far more masterful period of Macro.  The editing would become far tighter and the pacing would be relentless and breakneck.  It is where the consistently named "favorites" of their works fall under.  Works prior to this period had a much "looser" sound and really came across as the duo trying to find out exactly how to make the noise they wanted.

So I am basically saying that Relentless Agony is a perfect middle point between the two styles.  The editing is strong, but not as frantic as something like Grind or Intensive Care.  There is still room for loops to breathe for at least a minute or two before changing up.  There is still some exploration to be had, namely with what I assume is Roemer shredding on the guitar.  Guitar noise is really a tough sell for some, but I think it happens to soar as a bright point here in the mix.

Great reissue overall; an essential get for anyone's Macronympha section of the record shelf/

[k.p.g]

Dead Machines - Live Dead (Maim & Disfigure)
I was jamming a couple of doses of noisecore and black metal just before and find that this particular Dead Machines release was a great transition from that sort of stuff.  Not your typical "zone out" style from this duo, but rather a full-on noisecore/shitnoise spasm of the heaviest degree.  Drums are beating, bass is pounding and the vocals are particularly hellish.  The saxophone does creep up partway through to shriller highs than what is typical of Olson's style of playing.  Wonder if there are more recordings like this one that exist in their catalogue.

[FreakAnimalFinland]

MOSS HARVEST "Redux Amalgam" LP
Total Black
Excellent. I have been listening to this about week now. Over and over again and with exception of somehow abrupt ending of album, it feels really damn good.

CONTAGIOUS ORGASM "Behind Closed Doors" LP
Ant-Zen
Another very good LP! There are very short drum beat moments in otherwise cinematic sound collage type of album. Neat sound quality, good cut, ant-zen going sort of "back to basics" with small edition vinyls and hand made album covers. Can't complain!

[Cranial Blast]

Odal - Nihilistic Dogs (Industrial Recollections)

Orginally released in 1986 on tape by BloedvlagProdukt and now reissued on CD format, thanks to Industrial Recollections. This CD is quite strange in sound and has lots of weird textured static sounds and weird synth parts, or at least they sound like some weirdly manipulated synth parts. At times has some monotone voice parts and other weird honking sounds going on. I'd highly recommend this one to the fanatics of H.Ö.H. I really enjoy production of this album, sounds especially nice with the weird textures and sounds going on. It almost feels like being in some type of monochromatic industrial dream with the change in sounds from one weird path to another, the weird random synth parts make it all the more surreal and strange. It's definitely a relic from early Industrial/noise past. It's the first CD of the reissues that I've popped in for a listen, but definitely excited to hear the others as well.

[becomeanddie]

Death Pact International- The Old Vietnams Dead

First ever release I've heard from DSIP. I loved it, bought it because the cover looked really awesome. I judged a book by its cover, sue me.
This thing opens with a great vocal sample of an interview with a veteran I believe? Same with the 2nd side of the tape. Whole thing is pretty lo fi but still has great stereo image. Constantly moving through rhythm to rhythm, which gives it an old industrial sound but its for sure PE feel from top to bottom. Some of this reminded me of Brume! Or at least the one tape I heard from Brume.
2nd half has crazy melodies in the right ear and left ear, still lots of room for electronic noise to sit on top of tracks. Perfect late night vietnam snack before bed.

[Svartvit]

Odal - Nihilistic Dogs (Industrial Recollections)

Orginally released in 1986 on tape by BloedvlagProdukt and now reissued on CD format, thanks to Industrial Recollections. This CD is quite strange in sound and has lots of weird textured static sounds and weird synth parts, or at least they sound like some weirdly manipulated synth parts. At times has some monotone voice parts and other weird honking sounds going on. I'd highly recommend this one to the fanatics of H.Ö.H. I really enjoy production of this album, sounds especially nice with the weird textures and sounds going on. It almost feels like being in some type of monochromatic industrial dream with the change in sounds from one weird path to another, the weird random synth parts make it all the more surreal and strange. It's definitely a relic from early Industrial/noise past. It's the first CD of the reissues that I've popped in for a listen, but definitely excited to hear the others as well.

Old Odal hits a spot that a lot of current stuff is aiming at in such a satisfying way

[k.p.g]

Incapacitants - Incapacitants (Urashima)
An interesting recording that Urashima put out here, as this is a far cry from what Incapacitants is known for.  However, what they are known for is not what I like at all, and I actually really like this. A-Side is like a volcano boiling.  You can tell there is a greater sound waiting to be unleashed but it never comes through.  The restraint is great.  B-Side demonstrates a noisier approach but recording quality of direct to tape doesn't totally shred the ears.  Instead, this noise sits in a lo-fi and crude realm; almost crosses into "shit noise" territory.  Great stuff.  My case for solo Mikawa being the best Incapacitants continues to be proven right.  Great stuff.

[k.p.g]

Antenna 59/Armenia - Youth Factor (Bizarre Audio Arts)
Totally crude noise assault that would fly under the radar today, given who is involved.  Antenna 59's name never crossed my mind prior to this, and Armenia is not really in the good graces of many after his time period as a member(?) of Macronympha.  That all being said, this is stuff here is the real deal.
Antenna 59 side has a ton of glitched out "space ship" sounding synth clashing with harsh noise feedback.  Feels like this was recorded in a "1, 2, 3 - GO!" manner.  It's electrifying, and just manages to hold your attention with the sheer amount of duration it holds.

"They're still going?  How is that even possible?"
Somehow, it is.  Good stuff on their end.

On the Armenia end, this is a straight journey into pain so far.  The high end is dominating this mix, with some shitnoise mixed in occasionally.  Sounds like a barking dog is used as sound source?  Who knows.  I think that releases like this show that at one point in time, Armenia could make some very good and strange harsh noise.  Along the way, he dropped off and just started putting whatever out under the Macro name.  Pretty unforgivable to many, but do not let it overshadow the fact that early on, he was a ripper in his own right.

[k.p.g]

Sheer Anxiety - Live Performance (Philadelphia, PA)
I am sure there is a live performances thread that was started around here once but I am not really in the mood to venture for it at this time.  I also do not want to start a new one, in fear that the old one might get resurrected as a result.  Still... I want to talk about how great this live set was last night!  While all other performers on the show did a great job, Sheer Anxiety was a standout for me.  The duo consists of Andrea Pensado on electronics and voice and another man whose name I did not catch on percussion.  Could have easily fallen under "sound art/academic noise" territory fairly quick but it managed to stay in the chaotic realm the entire time.  Surprised by how well the snare drum blended into the harsh so well.  No level of pretention present, just a couple of old school experimentalists making a mighty racket in sync.  Will have to see if they have any releases out.

Legless - Untitled (self-released)
Hung out with the man a couple weeks back and had a pleasant evening of jams and grindcore discussion.  At the end of the night, he hands me this tape.  No markings, no track titles, just a tape wrapped in some porno mag; classic, scummy noise.  Finally got to put the tape in this morning, and it stops right away!  Sort of panicked for a minute but ended up getting it to play now.  It's some grimy as hell gutter noise, not that anyone familiar with Legless should expect anything else.  It's cool to see that Danny is back at it in such an adamant way, as this tape is a solid listen.  Plenty of disgusting murk and scrap metal abuse to nod off to!

[k.p.g]

Mallard Theory - Duck Textures/Duck Dreams (Duck's Domain)
A violent and drug-crazed duck rampages through Side A.  This is not a high-flying, dynamic rage but a far more tempered and psychedelic one.  Sound sources have that "oozing" sound to them and rarely move much.  NOT wall noise by any means.  Imagine that mixer you used for feedback finally had enough of your shit and started melting right before your eyes.  You are scared but cannot help but marvel at the abhorrent site before you.
Side B is fitting with the title of "Duck Dreams."  I imagine the little mallard snoozing, having dreams of floating in the most serene pond on a perfect summer day.  But wait - there is something coming upon the horizon as this dream wraps up; a storm!  Yes, nothing can be too dreamy with the work of Mallard Theory for too long.  The urge to rip some of the gnarliest harsh noise is just too strong within him.  LOVE IT.

Must quickly note that I love the artwork that came with this one.  Henry's style of screen printing is totally alien to him; a lone duck playing in this fantastic yard.

[Andrew McIntosh]

Couldn't really explain why but I've been listening to a fair bit of The Gerogerigegege's Noise stuff lately. The 1985 self titled release, "Destructive Crust Treatment (aka The End of the World)", The Gero-P album, "Nothing to Hear, Nothing to" - this is all just stuff that's on YouTube. There could be a bit of a nostalgia thing going on but I appreciate the low fidelity murkiness and lack of themes and "content" (anyone else remember "noise with content"?). Just fucking pointless noise for its own sake.

[k.p.g]

Skin Graft - Final Judgement (White Centipede Noise)
My feelings on this disc are mixed.  I have always found Skin Graft's progression and many sidesteps to be a point of intrigue when discussing his work.  There is a reason that he can hang with both the harsh heads of the rust belt and the psych freaks of the Michigan crew.  He can go from cranking out hellish harsh to some moody synth passages with relative ease.  He's very good at both too!  This disc has moments of both present but ultimately suffers from what I think is too much mixer feedback swallowing everything whole.  It sounds like fire crackling, which can make for a pretty good buildup, but leaves me wanting more when it goes on for close to 10 minutes at a time.  Made a 60 minute disc feel more like 80 minutes.
This is something to be expected though when a discography is as expansive as Skin Graft's is.  Some releases will hit and others will miss.

Pounds of Copper - I'm Not Even Playing but Here's a New CDr (Temple of Samas)
Always love a release with a story, and this one takes the cake for me.  Late last month, I set up a show for PCRV & Viator while they were on tour from North Dakota.  Local support came from Bugger, Relief and Evil Bong.  Having a good joking relationship with Pounds of Copper, I told them there was no way they would sneak in a secret set, join Evil Bong on vocals, etc.  Their response?  Make a release for a show they are not even playing and sell it.  Brilliant. 
And what makes this disc all the better is that as far as sound goes, it is so good.  To witness the evolution of Scronch's noise mastery up close the last few years has been nothing short of a pleasure.  I would not say they are hitting their stride fully but it's getting close.  And as far as their label curation goes, Temple of Samas appears to be heading into a fine avenue of shitnoise/American Tapes style with very crafty packages in short editions.  Always a welcome addition to a scene in my book.
Rock on.