the
EXPERIMENTAL PAGES
We at ACID ATTACK recognise the need for progression in music and as such have very open minds and ears. What we want to do in this section is explore some of the more obscure and stranger forms of music and sound. Basically the things other reviewers leave out . Nothing will be listened to with prejudice. So whether it's concrete ,ambient, industrial ,jazz, or any variation that can be imagined we will listen and review it! On these pages Transgression will be encouraged. On these pages nothing is too primitive. On these pages nothing is too loud. So there you have it ! our philosophy is basically that any form of expression is a valid one and as such should, and can be discussed and encouraged . If you would like to send in work to be reviewed send it to the contact address of the site or directly to :
Cris Baldwin
31 Bourne Street Dudley West Midlands DY2 7AL
England
Pram - Museum of Imaginary Animals (Domino Records UK 00)
Suppose I better nail my colours to the mast at the onset of this review, Me and Pram go back several years because one of my best friends (Daren…hello mate) used to be their drummer. He 's now in the very wonderful Marshall Smith whose first c.d. is due to come out very soon…. Watch this space! There is some progression from Pram on this album; for one thing it's a lot more upbeat with even the hint of some rhythms that are crying out to get a remix. Maybe their label-mates Mouse on Mars could be called in. The overall sound still is very referential to old film scores, exotica, early electronic and all things strange and wondrous. Rosie's lyrics get more and more mysterious and obscure by the day. As with most of Pram's work the song titles belie an obsession with things aquatic and wet. 'The Mermaids Hotel' not only mentions a current obsession of mine, Numbers Stations, but also features some eerie theremin playing. The world needs more records with theremin on them and I'm not talking about endless remakes of 'Good Vibrations'. If you can get past the (ahem!) unique qualities of Rosies voice then the delight of Pram are manifold and are to be recommended.
Escapade - remembrance of Things Unknown (US Motherwest Records 00)
Right you've gotta be quick with this one. The latest c.d. from top US space psych rockers is a limited edition of 500 only! It contains previously unreleased live and rehearsal room recordings. My review copy is number 86 so skip to the end of this review, click the link and order one a.s.a.p. before they go. As always with a release from Escapade the playing is immaculate and yet again recorded on a single stereo room mike. Composed spontaneously, these guys must be psychic; they follow each other's twists and turns exactly leaving no space for boring fills or preconceived set pieces. The sound is full and rich space rock of the highest order. Really this could be the music for a joy ride on the Millennium Falcon or even Hot Black Desiato's ship (Ó obscure reference dept). Just the stuff for dodging asteroids in the Gamma quadrant. Sorry getting a bit carried away there but this stuff is VERY VERY GOOD! At times the band break it down to just drums and quiet guitar but it always builds back up with tribal drums and analogue synths at full blast. All of the tracks are live in a studio except 'Crawlspace' here they get really spacey, with pulsing base and freeform guitar opening the tune, in front of an audience they seem to get even more experimental. Sadly this track is edited to only 6 minutes long as opposed to the sometimes-lengthier studio tunes. The set closes with the 20-minute epic 'A Useful Obsession' that I can't even begin to do justice to in print so you'll just have to get the c.d., but remember HURRY there are only limited numbers of the CD..
Mouse on Mars - Instrumentals (UK Domino Records 00)
UK Well-respected German duo Mouse on mars has put together a wonderful c.d. of instrumental tunes, from the many compilations to which they have contributed. Originally on their own label, this now gets a welcome release on Domino. The tunes contained therein circle a wide range of styles, but all have a common thread of inventiveness and a sense of strange dislocation from any current bandwagon or genre currently doing the rounds. From the glitch machine breakdown music of the first track 'Auto Orchestra' in which the tune builds from sounds and noises that other lesser mortals would discard as mistakes, to the languidly strange ambience of '1001' this c.d. is a aural excursion to the limits of contemporary electronica. The tiniest sounds fill the air and you never know quite what is round the corner, the analogue dub beginnings of 'Owai' suddenly give way to a crunchy rhythm track that the Aphex Twin would give his aural exciter for. Always interesting, always inventive and always a pleasure to listen to. Highly recommended!
Cosey Fanni Tutti - Time to Tell (UK CTI 00)
Achingly beautiful electronics contained in this re-issue of a re-issue, the original was actually out as a cassette in 1982 and is reproduced here with an extra track and expanded booklet with lots of text and pictures. Drifting tones modulate across the listeners field of hearing, all backed with a gentle and yet insistent drone. There are guitars which slide in and out in a fluid and most pleasing way. The second track recounts the research work that Cosey undertook in her time as a stripper and photographic model. Exploring themes of sexuality both in the private sense and in terms of sex in the 'marketplace' this is a engrossing track aided as it is by a pulsing soundtrack. Contained in the booklet is a transcript of a lecture and question and answer session that Cosey gave at Leeds Poly in 1982. This provides much insight into her work both as a solo artist and as a member of Throbbing Gristle and before that radical art group Coum from where TG evolved. The unreleased track 'Such is life' follows on well from the original three tracks, again moody electronics dominate but with an underlying pulse , sounding almost Arabic at times. This is an important release and is to be recommended to anyone with an interest in early(ish) british electronica or the early 70's performance art scene a la Coum transmissions. The booklet alone is fascinating and coupled with the c.d. it's a real treat! (cris baldwin)
CTI - Electronic Ambient Remixes Two (UK CTI 00)
OK I know that I'm talking about volume 2 of the CTI re-mixes first but it relates to the above Cosy Fanni Tutti c.d. Basically this is the remix c.d. of the 'Time to Tell ' C.d. and as it says on the back of the booklet it is made to be listened to at subdued levels. At quite volume the music envelops you, surrounding you in a blanket of half- heard whispers and low pulses. It's only when a track finishes or you turn it off that you actually notice quite how much attention you were giving it without knowing. The re-mixes are quite radical but never depart from the overall feel of drifting. As I sit here typing and listening to the disc for the umpteenth time the sounds are mixing with the noise of the traffic and the wind chimes in my garden giving yet another environmental re-mix. I think that this disc will sound different every time you hear it as different environments have a different effect on the way you perceive it. This disc gets a big thumbs up. (cris baldwin)
CTI - Electronic Ambient remixes One (UK CTI 00)
The first in an ongoing series by CTI people Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti. This set of re-mixes takes as it's source material some of the sound experiments that Chris Carter made in the 70's and 80's both as a solo artist and as a member of Throbbing Gristle. Many people who I mention TG to expect to hear just distorted sounds and songs about poison gas and sexual perversion but it mustn't be forgotten that TG left a fine legacy of electronic sound and must be considered leading pioneers in the early UK electronics scene. The tracks contained on this disc work from where TG almost left off, basic sequences built and embroidered on until a dense ambient wall is built up. Very demanding on your speaker system the booklet actually says that the disc '..contains resonant and sub sonic frequencies which lower specified audio playback apparatus may find difficult to faithfully reproduce, particularly at high volume levels' They're not kidding either, I've got quite a nice set up at home where I do all my main listening and even there the speakers had a hard time keeping up. Definitely a c.d. to listen to in the dark or near dark, evocative and stimulating. As Chris Carter says "where analogue fucks with digital and hardware becomes software", and on that note I close. (cris baldwin)
Gogmagog - Reanimate (US CDr 00)
Five tracks of industrially inclined angular and spiky alt rock, all jack hammer drumming and distorted noises…lovely, just what the doctor ordered! You can have too many well mannered and easy on the ears tunes, and as many people who have the misfortune to know me will attest, I like things to hurt! The vocal samples sit nicely in the middle and unlike many industrial minded outfits Gogmagog have an understanding of the use of space in a tune. I think I detect a nod towards 80's group Killing Joke and if I'm mistaken then I think that these boys ought to listen to their first LP. Can't tell you much more about the band itself other than it's a duo. Loud, aggressive and relentless.
EARTH HUM KLANGAXIS4 - Fin De Siecle ( UK aat 00)
More darkly ambient outpourings from the Klang camp, this time taking the shape of a single piece in 5 parts. The faintest percussive bells and Tibetan instrumentation back melancholic pipes. This recording never falls back on the standard instrumental ambient tosh that so much experimental music lands in. dissonant notes are added all the time and just when you think that you have a handle on the sound it all changes. Drones from bells and white noise from de-tuned radios all get put into the Klang machinery and come out the other end as an unearthly collage. Fluid at all times, the sounds on this disc makes me feel as though I should be watching a documentary about some bizarre alien lifeform. Disquieting music. (CB)
EARTH HUM - Search for the New Sylvania (UK aat 00)
Another Klangstorm related offering, this time a solo double c.d. set from Phil Cervi. As with all Klang produkt even before the disc hits your player the first thing that you will notice is the wonderful packaging. Lots of time and considerable effort has been taken to get this c.d. out so it is worth mentioning. This is the third and final part of the trilogy of klangstadt c.d.'s. The sounds on the these discs are a deep environment, immersing the listener in spinning space, punctuated occasionally by a lone female voice. Meditative sounds are never allowed to get over long or indulgent, and the forms that are constructed are fluid and ever changing. It is better to listen to these discs on large speakers rather than headphones because the form that many of the sounds take make best use of the acoustics of a room, mixing and reacting to each other in space. Often dark and very atmospheric the discs never get over threatening. The spoken texts are based upon the principles of the Japanese Haiku, a poetry form utilising 17 syllables to a poem or fragment. A very contemplative set with many hidden corners and highly recommended. Music for a darkened room. (CB)
PARAGON NULL - Welcome to the Mach 2 (US House of Tears 99)
An outfit from Kansas City who definitely sound as if 'they're not in Kansas any more Toto'. Wilfully going into electronica territories that a lot of other U.S bands would rather leave to the Europeans, Paragon Null bleep, tweak and thump with the best of them. Tightly programmed tracks with more than a wink in the direction of the Aphex Twin. Industrial sounds filter throughout the disc and mix with their own blend of trancey rhythms. I even could relate a couple of tracks to work by Fripp and even the dream landscapes of John Hassell. The final track (my press copy not having any titles) is a martial drum led piece that wouldn't be out of place on a Coil or Death in June LP.This band intend to cover a lot of ground and for the most part they do it successfully. From their discography it would appear that they are prolific producers and contributors to compilations. Loads more info on their own web site.(CB)
PILE OF EGGS - The Egg Files ( US private release 99)
Pile of Eggs describe themselves as a 'noise- grind' band and, phew, is there some noise on this release. The first 2 tracks are strange! The title 'Cow tripping' just about describes what it sounds like, a herd of cows on bad acid! There then follows a recording of their first ever gig, brutal grinding and dumb, this is so far out of the mainstream of what is usually referred to as music that you have just got to like it. This is the work of a few twisted sick individuals with no artistic merit, dubious morals and probably serious mental health issues. It is stupid in the extreme, offensive and dangerous. As such I'm highly recommending it as an antidote to some of the stuck up, pretentious, going nowhere music that is about at the moment. Boyzone and 5ive should be stuck in a room with these people just to see what happens. You need this c.d. The contact, if you're brave enough is; steveggs (CB)
DAVID ALLEN'S UNIVERSITY OF ERRORS - Money doesn't make it'
This is one of my favourite artists ever, from the jazz trips of the early Gong LPs, to the weird sound loops and space poetry of New York Gong; this man holds a special place for me. One of the times that I saw him he made the audience hold hands to 'raise the vibration' before he would play a note! Yes Daevid's the real thing. On this latest recording he's got himself a really tight group of musicians about him, giving a fresh modern sound yet with knowing glances back to more hazy times. These days he is more likely to sing about anti-materialism than pot head pixies but he still has a really good way with words. As always his glissando guitar sounds ethereal and is the anchor for many of the songs. Nicely meandering guitars score most of the tunes but you can always make out the words of the songs, because with an artist such as this the lyrics are important. He still has valid political and social comments to make. Remember this man was at the barricades in Paris in the 60's. Good c.d. respect is due to the man for his constant commitment. Can't say anything else but this c.d. is recommended. Go and buy it, you'll like it!.
V/A - Noise Kills Punks Dead (US Opulence records 99)
Well who fancies a 67 track 59-band compilation c.d.?, Strangely enough when this disc dropped on to my doormat it filled me with nothing but terror, 59 bands, get real!. On actually listening to the beast however it is filled with such rampant diversity and experimentation that you've just got to like at least some of the things on it. The c.d. has a full listing of the bands and tracks with individual e-mail addresses for each. My copy even came with a handy interview with the compiler, Brent C; unfortunately my Japanese isn't quite up to the task of translating it! Any chance of a translation? The music on the disc ranges from bizarre sound collages to distorted hip-hop, taking in just about every point in between. Highlights for me include Our Glassie Azoth, The M.E.M.O.R.Y Lab, Pointless Orchestra, Government Alpha and the Wonderfully piss-taking 'Tom's Jones'' by Cyborg. Take my advice on this one, follow the link and order a copy, it will be worth it and this type of strangeness needs supporting. Go on pester Opulence Records, I may even send them one of my musical efforts(!). File under strangely compelling (CB)
Diamond Shamrock-'Summerville' ( US Opulence records 99)
This came in the same package as the above compilation and is mentioned in the Japanese interview that accompanies it. That is all the information I can give you, handwritten sleeve, CD'r, that could even just be made to order. My copy is very much a homemade affair. That doesn't diminish the quality of the music though. Oddly out of time cheesy listening samples layered with the most acid sounding guitar I've heard in a long time. Lots of distorted beats and sounds give it a bit of an edge. Add that to the 'drummer falling downstairs' percussion and you've got quite a nice little bit of Ear candy Track 4 is a kind of warped jazz odyssey and when I say warped I mean thoroughly twisted and mashed up! Very nice in a deconstructed type of fashion, I would be interested in hearing more (CB).
THE CAPTAIN T BAND - S/T (US private release 99)
Three-track e.p clocking in at just over 25 minutes due to the 16-minute track 'Interplanetary Disgrace'. The c.d. sleeve tells me nothing except I think that they're from America. The first two tracks exhibit a welding together of a modern grungy metal sound with a bubblegum psyche attitude, fine soaring rock to 'get the pit slammin' (as I think the kids of today say). The final long track is a bludgeoning experiment in stoner sensibilities, slowly rising to crescendo of guitars and noise. Think of a 90's Iron Butterfly or Blue Cheer. A fine middle section of guitar power made the hairs on the back of my neck bristle.(CB)
The Unified Past - From the splntered presnt sufaces (US atomik 99)
This release left me feeling a little frustrated to say the least and I don't know why. The tracks were played with style and flare, all 10 tracks were 100% prog, guitars/keys/drums, lots of interplay. I just couldn't get into this, there's a feeling of Rush running around in here, and lots of other progressive acts. The power of some of the tracks start to enter the world of "progressive metal" but never quite got there. The vocals and playing is all of a very high degree, but for me, I was left a little bemused by all of this. Even when I tried to check out their web site, there were more details of the band they were and not who the are now. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right place, but I just lost the plot on this release, saying all that, I did find Silent Partner a "catchy little number".
TRANSMISSIONS FROM THE SPEAKER ZONE - A Mother West Sampler (US mwr 99)
Well this is hard, I never really know where to go when reviewing compilations, especially ones like this that aren't showcasing a genre or type of music. You know the type of thing -'100 great Truckdriving suicide songs'. What I can tell you is that this disc showcases bands and musicians that record at Mother West Studio in N.Y.C. Styles range from fairly standard REM-alikes to chunky avant instrumentalists. Most of the tracks fall pretty definitely into the boys with guitars category. Something, in fact, for everyone, my vote however goes to Escapade as the band most likely to get a replay on my stereo.
MUSHROOM - Analog Hi-Fi surprise (US InnerSPACE records 99)
Take equal parts of some of the current experimental lo-fi bands (Tortoise, UI etc.) mix it with the sounds of early 70's jazz explorers (the Trio, Soft Machine etc.) Put them all into a sack and add a pinch of completely off the wall electronica and you may, if you're lucky, get a band like Mushroom. A fine instrumental CD with no vocals to let it down. Many of the tunes groove along at a fair old pace, this is what acid jazz should have been like rather than the bunch of Starsky & Hutch copyists that it was. There is a constant edge to the sound, the musicians aren't just relying on tried and tested formulae, they are really trying to push back the limits. This is a c.d. that will reward careful and repeated listening at both loud and quiet volumes. Again, very recommended.
Murder Legendre-Arid ( US Spine Punch Music 00)
A disc of industrial drones, tones and seemingly random sounds pitched together to make a rewarding listen. Some of the sounds seem like they could be environmental and this is what makes this disc a success for me. Played at high or low volume the recordings form an environment of gathering unease. Imagine the incidental music for a haunted house or a murder scene. I cant give you any information on the person that constructed this disc, other than he alleges his name to be Cedric Rokkgod (!) and the label comes from Pennsylvania in the usa. Music and sound for the gathering of spirits and generally having a dark time. File under / uneasy listening. (CB)
BONEDUST - Barely Real( UK Amtac Fetish Productions TAPE ONLY 00)
A cassette of wildly inventive guitar improvisations that comes in a lovely box with several pieces of artwork for you to contemplate. All I can really tell you is that all tracks were played by Andi Milne and all recordings are first take versions. The guitar styles evoke many things for me, for some reason one track had me thinking of primal guitar hero and troubled soul Robert Johnson. Never overly repetitive this cassette is definitely in the realms of the Derek Baileys and Eugene Chadbourne's of this world. One thing about improvised, difficult or music and sound that's a bit 'on the edge' is that people say "ooh that's just noise I could do that and make a record" well believe me it's a lot harder than it seems. Not exactly easy, comfortable or safe listening but if you want to branch out it is very rewarding. Dynamic, Exiting and Inventive. Top Marks! (CB)
I can't give you an E-contact but try this Snail Mail address:
AMTAC FETISH PRODUCTIONS
33 NAWORTH TERRACE JARROW
NE32 2TY
UK
+44 (0) 191 428 5402 +44 (0) 79399 58177
Mushroom - s/t (US ae records 1999)
Mushroom are a San Francisco based outfit who have found favor amongst both musicians and the listening public. Daevid Allen, Kevin Ayers and Faust, have either worked with or commented on just how good Mushroom are at what they do. Mushroom are a modern day experimental and mostly instrumental guitar led band with influences from both the past and present. This is a strictly LTD edition LP of just 450 copies on heavy weight vinyl and thick paste on card-sleeve. Four tracks spread over the two side of the LP show all the angles of Mushroom's work. Opening side one is the 16 minute drone soundof Leni Riefenstahi, swirling drone guitar and analog keyboard's adding rich and deep flavors, while the underlying sound stays the same throughout. Followed directly by A violin bow in curved air, I failed to spot the change over of tracks the edit been so tight, starts off with, as you would expect of an avant garde sound of a violin, before been picked up and moved along by guitar. Side two, gives us two more tracks, Track one A tribute to Eddie Harris: is split into two parts. Part one; A Swiss Movement (the ticking of a clock), has a more direct approach with up front sounding guitars, as the lower end sound of the saxophone runs in the background, untill towards the end of the number when both meet. Part two; Some jive ass wasting my time, has a more improvised jazz/rock sound, with enough going on here to keep the listener occupied. To finish off this slab of vinyl is Dig My Mood, a three minute sublime piano (keyboard) piece which slows the whole event of the last 40 minutes down to a fitting end. With the increase of band's who want to entertain us in this fashion of experimental sounds, Mushroom have played a card, which will show the following pack just what high standards are now expected.
SECTOR 9 - 'Live C.D.' - (US Landslide records 00)
Improvisational Music for the Twenty first Century is what the accompanying press release says about this quintet from Athens, Georgia. This live c.d. covers a lot of ground both musically and geographically with tracks being recorded all over the US. There is a basic groove to all the tracks featured here with varying degrees of funk, jazz, electronica and even some D n' B style injected into the live mix. Sometimes, for this listener at least, it doesn't quite gel and ends up being reminiscent of one of those early seventies jazz fusion projects that are full of skill but devoid of any feeling. Still, this band does demonstrate that it can play out live with real instruments and most of the tracks are a real treat. Summer groovin' music! (CB)
VIPERHOUSE- 'Lap Hen' (US Magic Hat Records 00)
Here's a treat jazz fans, a 9 track live big band c.d. But wait, don't stop reading just at the mention of those fateful and loaded words, this disc hits the spot. While fully rooted in the tradition and style of a big band sound, Viperhouse take that sound and subvert it bringing it well up to date without sacrificing any of the essential dynamics that a large band brings. Vocal duties are ably handled by one Heloise Williams and a fine job she makes of it too. The band groove and swing in a very fine fashion and I defy anyone to keep still while listening to this disc. The penultimate track is a real collision, a composite of an Afghani folk tune and a tune by the late Sun Ra real interesting listening. As I said at the beginning don't be put of by the fact that it's big band jazz give it a chance and you'll find it rewarding. If nothing else it has the most wonderful picture of a chicken on the cover. (CB)
Ian Boddy & Chris Carter-'Caged'-Din label UK
A real treat for fans of finely worked electronica, this is a collaboration between well known synthesist Ian Boddy and ex Throbbing Gristle man Chris Carter lately of Chris & Cosey and CTI. The text on the inside of the booklet mentions 'a place where the soundtracks of long deserted arcades still play' and this describes the machine music very well. Drones subtly change over time and motorik rhythms bounce in and out of the soundscape. When the tracks get into a groove they pull you along with the sound as a participant not as a passenger. At all times the sound is subtle; not relying on the shock tactics that sometimes mars electronic music. Aimed not at the dance floor but squarely between your ears this disc is a winner. This is limited to 1000 copies so get your orders in quickly. (CB)
THE ANCIENT ECSTATIC BROTHERHOOD OF PARANOISE - PRIVATE POWER (Us private 99)
Well if you think that the name of this group is a bit of a mouthful wait until you hear them! I was very, very pleased to receive a copy of this disc because it demonstrates the fact that there is intelligent life in the U.S (Hate mail to my personal address not to the site please). Large densely scored deep music, counterpointed with an extremely clever use of world music samples. As if this wasn't enough the lyrics are of a political nature guaranteed to piss off at least 50% of the naturally conservative (small c & big C) listening public in their native country. It is a nice change to hear world music samples used to effect in music other than of a dance or techno nature. One of the nicest touches is the use of vocal samples from Noam Chomsky, philosopher, Linguist and outspoken critic of modern capitalism and the rise of the global phenomenon of the Multinational Company. The samples blend in well with the power of the band giving a dense almost King Crimson sound to most of the proceedings. Politically conscious throughout, the band don't fall into the trap of simply preaching to the converted, but seem to be actively trying to bring about intelligent debate about subjects that they obviously feel passionate about (CB)
PROJECT 33 - Uccidi Vagabondo (US private 99)
Is Uccidi Vagabondo an individual or a collective name? Sometimes these things just need to be known! Industrial grimness exudes from this disc, po-faced vocals, hard percussion and buzzing guitars simply add to effect. I always feel a pang of disappointment when I listen to so-called modern industrial music; it's as formulaic as much of the disco pap pop that fills the charts at the moment. Give me the true industrialism as expounded by the mighty THROBBING GRISTLE or even the sonic experimentalism of NURSE WITH WOUND this, sadly, just bores me its all been done before. (CB)
Phil Rhoden - Bach is Dead ………..and other songs by the Residents" (UK private 99)
An eight-track disc that started life as a single track submitted to a Residents tribute compilation. All the songs are Residents tunes done in Phil's own special way. Unfortunately I don't really know much by the Residents but this doesn't detract from the disc, it's an interesting listen in its own right and fits nicely into the 'that's really strange but I don't quite know why' category. This disc would be a good introduction to the Residents or a nice addition if you already know them. Quirky, off centre sounds and obscure lyrics are a trademark of the Residents and these qualities are reflected in Phil's interpretations. It would be nice to hear the originals along side these versions. Phil is quite a prolific artist and has many other releases to his name on his own 'Reverse Fish' label, which is based in the avant-garde heartland of the Black Country which is Amblecote. Contact Phil for more details of releases, which are available in various formats: CDs, Mini-Disc, DAT Tape, Analogue Tape (cb)
ERNESTO DIAZ-INFANTE & ROTCOD ZZAJ - VEDUTA REITER (US private cd'r 99)
Tight , claustrophobic noise is what greets the listener on the first playing of this disc. It is a collaboration between between Ernesto Diaz-Infante, a performer and composer and Rotcod Zzaj a co-ordinator of the annual Olympia Experimental Music Festival in the U.S. A seemingly random barrage of sounds back the deadpan reading of a text that is, to my ears, just not quite understandable. The overall impression is of a stream of consciousness flow of sound and images, every now and then the backing subsides and a few of the words of the text are recognisable. Perhaps the text is the spoken equivalent of a mutant strain of free jazz. Later in the disc the music gets a little more conventional but never borders on the easy or complacent. In all then a disc of ideas that fairly hum along, the hallucinatory nature of the text is emphasised by the musical and non-musical background. Very interesting and sure to be the springboard for a lot of other ideas. (cb)
THE IMAGINARY BAND-SONARCHY (US private cd'r 99)
Another Rotcod Zzaj collaboration, this time with fellow musicians Harlan Mark Vale and Peter Tomshany. This was recorded live onto disc during a radio broadcast in Seattle…and I thought it was all coffee and grunge in those parts. The work consists of lovely floaty ambient passages that wouldn't have sounded out of place on some of Gongs spacier excursions interspersed with tight jazz thrusts with enough dissonance to keep you on the edge of your headphones. The good Rotcod keeps things in the cerebral with his own brand of spontaneous poetry, ensuring that this disc is a true delight. The fact that it's live and probably mostly improvised on the fly just increases my admiration for the musicians involved. At times things veer a little towards the percussive which brings to mind Martin Denny's lounge-tastic recordings. The closing credits, that are actually spoken on the disc at the end of the broadcast, mention other live sessions that are available, if they are all as successful as this one they are worth checking out (cb)
ESCAPADE - CITRUS CLOUD COVER (US motherwest 99)
Soaring swooping spacerock to lift your spirits on a cold and crisp October morning. I've got the flu and can't really walk in a straight line and a minor ear infection so all the high notes make me wince! But it still sounds good to me. Talk about suffering in the name of art. What I have in front of me is a double c.d. set by US band Escapade and very fine it is too. I've sort of promised not to mention a certain Chicago based band (who aren't called Turtle but are very close if you know what I mean), anyway the jazzy drumming is very reminiscent of that particular band in some places. Two of the tracks are recorded live at the Orion Space-Rock Festival in Baltimore and do everything that you would want a space-rock band to do. Guitars riff, bass lines propel, drums power the tunes along and the synths do whatever they damn well like. A wonderfully evocative sound is produced by this band, at times they go all Sun-RA Meets Hawkwind but without the heavy metal failings that sometimes hawkwind fell into, especially in the early 80's. Yes I like this even though I'm feeling like crap and my ears feel like they've got blue hot darning needles in them. Come to the U.K. and play some dates please. Thankyou. (CB)
THE PERRY WEISSMAN 3 - s/t (US private 99)
Almost 'cheese-core' to the max! An eclectically put together c.d. of jazz and easy listening tunes .One moment sounding like N.Y's noisy ersatz jazzers The Lounge lizards. (By the way if you get chance to see one of Arto Lindsay's' current Bossa-nova shows go 'cos it'll knock your socks of!) The next an outtake from a mid sixties stereo sampler. The band fly from one extreme to another with disarming skill demonstrating equal style in whatever genre they tackle. The guitar playing is very fluid, if a little bit prog on a couple of tracks for my liking. One nice touch is the featuring of the Trombone on many of the tracks surely a much-underused instrument in modern music. For real trombone fetishists seek out 'The Gentle Harm of the Bourgeois' by Paul Rutherford and you'll see what a trombone is capable of! Perhaps lacking in a little of the nieve charm of genuine contemporary lounge and easy recordings the band is tight and play like they mean it. Well worth checking out.
THE PSYCHEDELIC EXCESSES ov SUPERDRAGON DJ vol. 1
Well every so often a c.d. comes along that you just want to tell everyone about. This is one of those discs. Don't know much about the musicians but the music speaks for itself. A direct collision between funky hip-hop beats and digital dub taking in along the way loungey big beats and a whacked out array of samples and styles. I think I even detected the presence (directly or sampled) of Mr.Genesis P-Orridge on track 5, and even though I'm biased when it comes to this, it has to be a good recommendation. The c.d. fairly whizzes along using a full complement of mind-altering sounds. The disc has already been 'road tested' by my good friend Martin (Hello there!) and his opinion was pretty much the same as mine. I have to say that I would hesitate to use the word 'EXCESSES' to describe the hallucinogenic contents of this c.d., more fittingly I'd use the word 'DELIGHTS'. There seems to be a bit of a bit of a renaissance in interest and use of both artificial and natural methods of consciousness altering. If this exploration brings forth music of this calibre and range then it can only be a good thing. Remember, as the late great Timothy Leary said: "You can be anyone you want to be this time around". Incidentally the record label must be thanked for the wonderful spoof press release.
JESTERS LONGEVITY - 'ANALOG DUB REPORT' ( US jk 99)
Nicely presented cd of off kilter dub experimentation. Mine has come in a limited edition box with badges and all sorts of goodies. A 2-minute low-fi drone at the start of the disc may put many traditional dub fans off but the track soon opens up into glorious loopy dub. The stylings on the disc range from organic 70's style tunes to tracks that can only be described as, well, a bit odd. This isn't a criticism because with the way technology in the studio is today I'm sure a digital dub LP can be tossed of in a couple of days! Rhythmic loops are underpinned by the almost obligatory use of obscure samples from B Movies and TV shows. Strange noises drop in and out and give a feel of dislocated timelessness. In all a useful c.d. that could easily be used by all you home deejays to enliven a mix tape. Give it a good listen. From the same stable as SUPERDRAGON DJ
HASHISHEEN-END OF LAW (Sub Rosa SC154 c.d.)
I hope that many of you will already know the story of Hassan-I Sabbah, If you don't I suggest that you use the facilities of this wonderful web thingy and do some research that does not involve the key words 'Alt.Sex' . To those of you who are interested I suggest the W.S.Burroughs book "The Western Lands" as a good place to start your enquiries. This book has also been the inspiration for a very fine L.P "Seven Souls" by Material featuring Bill Laswell ,it comes highly recommended (by yours truly). HASISHEEN is also a Laswell led project and he's pulled out all the stops in getting an all star cast:Patti Smith,Paul Schutze,Iggy Pop,Jah Wobble and these pages favourite underground figure Mr.Genesis P-Orridge are but a few of the luminaries contributing to this project. This c.d. draws its texts from numerous sources ranging from 8th century Islamic texts to relatively modern authors such as Burroughs and Freya Stark The musical backing to the readings are as widely varied as the texts themselves. Techno Animal gives us textural global ambience whilst Iggy Pop reads .Hakim Bey is underpinned by the guitar of another regular Laswell collaborator, Nicky Skopelitis. For me one of the most effective tracks is 'Tale of the Caliph Hakem' read by G.P.O and Anne Clark with music by Eyeless in Gaza.Gentle Islamic themes underscore a poignant text. As with many of the tracks it evokes a world of forbidden Knowledge and unseen Landscapes. This is not exoticism for the sake of it but an exploration of themes and subjects that have intrigued and fascinated European writers and artists for 100's of years. As the main Man Hassan-I Sabbah said: "nothing is true-everything is permitted"
PURE WATER CONSTRUCTION-Same (Discus 11cd)
This is a product of DISCUS, a label that is set up and run from Sheffield right here in the good old U.K. The c.d. consists of five parts based on five solo improvisations that are then subsequently processed ,orchestrated and added to. Each part has a corresponding paragraph in the booklet that accompanies the c.d. that seta the mood and timbre of the piece. This selection of pieces falls very easily into the Electro Acoustic genre with both natural and created sounds being used to very good effect . The reading of the individual notes in the booklet does set the sonic scene very well. The feeling of a late summer afternoon just prior to a massive thunder storm is evoked by the first piece giving you that almost surreal feeling that you get from certain qualities of light in the sky . An interesting c.d. that will challenge some peoples notion of what music or even entertainment is .Critics and fans of more conventional musics can often be heard to say 'any one can do it ,its only noise' All music is just noise put together in differing ways. What puts this c.d. into serious consideration is the stunning clarity of the sounds contained within. I really feel that this type of music could get a bigger audience if only it got the coverage in more mainstream media.
ASK----'DISCONNECTED BLISS' (Discus 8cd)
Ask are Martin Archer and John Jasnoch who create a pulsing textural landscape that does not at first seem too out of the ordinary . On further listening however it is clear that these tunes are complex entities ,often the conventional electronic backing allowing the musicians to experiment with forms of improvisation more often found in the field of jazz. In a sense the electronics give the musicians the freedom that a rock solid rhythm section would ,giving them the basis to fly of into any tangent they wish. Mutant Django Reinhart tunes do battle with ghostly pianists and percussionists. Long dead Delta Blues guitarists do battle with the aesthetics of the information age …and win! This disc covers a lot of bases stylistically but what underpins it and stops it from becoming just another collection of strange sound is the constant experimentation and variety of the material. Worth the time and effort to track down ,this recording is immensely satisfying and will remain on my 'play ' shelf when a lot of other discs have gone to that great shoe box in the sky(attic).
an Evening with PSYCHIC TV and Guests 1.5.99
THEE MAJESTY
"TIMES UP"
This being the new project by GENESIS P-ORRIDGE ably assisted by Mr Byrin Dall that was first unleashed on the general public of the (dis)United Kinkdom at the recent gig at the Royal Festival Hall (see review elsewhere).The 11 tracks contained are mostly spoken word with subtle musical and not so musical backing .Genesis' voice has elements of echo and other effects added to it making it seem very, very distant and then all of a sudden right up close. The lyrical content is very mixed ,from the opening 'Eshu yes you' which is a kind of longing yearning love song ,to the bitter sarcasm of 'When I Was Young '
These tracks are not the sort of things to just put on in the background .They need to be listened to carefully ,taking in the carefully considered words ,its almost an Ambient album in some ways but the words just seem to permeate into the skull. The words that Gen uses are very personal both to him and the listener in perhaps the way that the interpretation of a Tarot reading con be applied to many people at once.
This is a complex and enjoyable c.d. that I don't feel I have even scratched the surface of yet .I think I'm going to have to live with it a while and play it often to get the best out of it .That's not to say that it's a wilfully difficult recording ,compared to some of his other projects its very accessible c.d.Its just that I feel that the sum of this work is greater than it's component parts. Expect a follow up piece when the extent of this work has sunken in a bit more .
Jason DuMars "Singularity" (US private CD'r 99)
This is a fascinating c.d. of saxophone based partly improvised music. Henry Cow main man Chris Cutler puts in an appearance on one track as well as another two sax players. Tracks such as "Funny Farm" prove that Jason DuMars has a sense of humour so often missing in the field of improvised music. It's not all squally Albert Aylerisms either, track 7 "oom" starts out as a lovely lo-fi indie tune before descending into a swirl of sax chaos. According to the covering flyer the c.d. contains at least one "progressive rock song". I cant personally vouch for that but I do know that this is a c.d. I will be listening to and recommending to friends. Incidentally the c.d. also has several CD-ROM tracks on it; pictures of the band and some nice graphics that would make great wallpaper.
Frog peak music is an artist run musicians collective, based in Lebanon NH USA. Concentrating on serious works of NEW MUSIC. They provide not only audio recordings of many artists but also provide the scores to many of the works. Computer generated music features heavily in their catalogue and the software that much of it is created by, is also available. PRANK fans may be interested to know that still have copies of the ultra rare original 7" single by John Trubee "blind mans penis"..........................
Frog peak collaborations project - same ( US FPM 98)
2 CD set of the works of 62 --------avant garde artists and composers using / abusing, warping and generally tampering with intent, the 66 second sound file of a text written and preformed by Australian Chris Mann. The 115 pieces by artists as wide apart as the USA,
The time is now the words of MELODY SUMNER CARNAHAN - same ( US FPM 98)
CD+BOOK, Forget ideas of talking books or Disney's "read and listen" 45's. These interpretations of "M.S.C"s febrile writings, set to or made into music illustrates the strangeness of the texts. Speech becomes inaudible or distorted, concrete sounds fade in and out. Snatches of half recognized jazz and prototype techno back the strangely out of time stories. STYLE CLASH fans will appreciate the final two tracks, sounding as they do like the LAST POETS locked in a room with a terminally pissed of SONIC YOUTH.
FPM have a large site with much more information about all of there releases, you will find sound samples, ordering details and much more information.
A introduction to POGUS PRODUTIONS
