MPHIAT - Existential Crisis

MPHIAT is an acronym for Mr Potato Head Is A Tranny and the music behind the name is just as weird.

I received this and other items (tank top from his dad's job and a rad jazz cd) from Zack Dion who is behind the project and figured that its finally time to review this tape.

The tape shell is multicolored but mainly red and the case is pink (25/50) with cover that has a name-tag stating, "Hello my name is MPHIAT".

There is no track listing or sides so Ill work with what I got.

The first side begins with a kick drum along with cymbals. Vocals come in along with noises and super high pitched screams. Drums start clanging in and the track is over.

The next track is more dumming and fades out before I can write about it.

The third track sounds live and very noisy with a lot of harsh feedback. There is a clanging sound that Zack must be hitting something. The banging and clanging comes faster and the the overall sounds is very trippy.

The last track on this side is a spoken word bit i assume is from Zack and is my favorite part of the release.

The next side begins with a track comparable to WCPC regarding super high frequencies but with some of the most high pitched male screaming I've ever heard. Truly a track to turn the volume down on.

The next track comes in with a lot of atmosphere and almost sounds like low end guitar drone. The rest of the track relies on feedback and a wall of sound.

This is a perfect tape to check out this project with. Im happy to have received this and is my personal favorite material.

Also, be sure to look out for MPHIAT on the next Dumpster City compilation next year!

More trans starch can be found at: dion808.bandcamp.com

Jason Crumer - Disqualifier

For those keeping up with modern experimental music has heard of Jason Crumer and his album "Ottoman Black". I will be reviewing (before i move without bringing my record player) his latest effort I received from a friend (thanks Jonathan Spencer!)

I was actually fortunate enough to watch J Crumer do a collab set with Joseph Hammer. Aside from everyone being on drugs and hindering a lot of comfort from the two playing, it was an amazing set.

Looking at this record, everything is black from the vinyl to the sleeve and the cover. The cover has the name, title, and credits while the back has nothing. Very interesting. I personally like the packaging.

Side A begins with "Mom Pix" which, judging by the grooves is one of the longest tracks on this side. The album begins with some sort of drone with light static (either from the record itself or the music). If you pay very close attention, the drone shifts and changes vey slowly. This is best taken in with the eyes closed or under some sort of inebriation. The volume appears to pick up as well.

"Clijo's Arrival" meshes into the previous track but there appears to be another layer of sound that really accentuates the main drone. Weird sounds come in that would come from an old horror movie. Its am almost stressful listening to this as is sounds like at any moment, something will jump out in front of you.

"Rendezvous At Big Gulch" begins with different sounds if static and clopping from what appears to be the sound horse hooves. This track really begins to pick the album up. The track becomes more harsh as it "trots" on by.

"Wellsley's Philosophy" is an altogether track from the previous ones. I hear soundclips and numerous different sounds. Everything on this track is very precise and has its own separate part. The track ends ominously and fades away.

"Most Dangerous Man" is the last track on this side and partially live based on the credits of the release. There are random bits of noise with a constant beeping sounds. Im very intrigued on where a lot of these textures come from. There is a definite submerged vibe to this track.

Side B begins with "Functional Dance" and starts out super harsh. The beeping continues from the last track but is accentuated with clanging and reeling sounds along with others until more bursts of noise becomes relevant.

"Eaten, Not Awed" comes in immediately afterwards and is one of the harshest tracks yet along with some obvious ambience in the mix. Faint bits of feedback as well.

A minute bit of silence cues the next track for "Clio And Wessley" which has more apparent ambient sounds tied in with static lower in the mix. The static fades and so do most other sounds and we are taken on another suspenseful journey musically until all sounds fade.

"Start Again" appears to be one of the longer tracks as well and starts off very quiet. To me, this sounds like minute feedback manipulation mixed in with ambient sounds. A listener can easily be driven into a self-assessment until the trumpets and horns come in. More instruments key in as the track progresses and has a nice jazz vibe to boot. I begin to hear a sort of rattling sounding akin to bones. Also some faint drumming near the end.

The title track and the final track continues with drumming, rattling, and overall ambience, but much more daunting than before. The listener can feel small listening to this track as it id very indifferent and vast. Sounds build and build and bend and appear and disappear and intertwine until the album is over.

Even though I really enjoyed this album, this review unfortunately does not do its justice. There is so much more to this album than what I can come up with words.

Jason Crumer is truly a master in the craft and as I know how much time and money it takes to press vinyl, I strongly urge you to buy a copy instead of "file share" on soulseek or whatever you use. You can't enjoy watching a spinning guillotine from side B on mp3 format.

This and more can be found at: http://norentrecords.bigcartel.com

Contraktor - Just Die Already

First of all, sorry for the lack of reviews. The good news is that I am moving in the Houston area. Basically, I am in the middle of moving so bear with me.

Now, about Contraktor.

There isnt too much I know about this project except that I now have two releases on 8-trk and that it is a extremely gritty power electronics effort.

My first recollection of this was randomly browsing H8-Track Stereo and buying one. I jammed it and was sold. After seeing "Just Die Already" I had to nab one.

The cartridge I have personally is on black (some cream white,grey, blue, etc) with minimal indiscernible artwork. I popped this badboy in my player (Get one. Theyre super cheap)  relaxed for what was about to come.

The album starts with "Godpussy [Intro]" which zooms into your eardrums fairly quick. More sounds drop in patiently with low frequencies. Hearing a lot of bass, which I enjoy a lot. Definitely some good delay usage.

"Fucking Die Already" is the next track and has a prominent distorted sound with vocals really low in the mix. Another short track like the first.

"Side A" is the next track is the second longest one. Feedback brings the listener back to life and the person behind this project twists the textures to his liking throughout the track. Near the end, vocals drop in and im intrigued to hear what he has to say.

"Side B" sounds like a continuation of "A" but is much more beefy sounding. Full of lows and mids with ample feedback. Desperate vocals end this one.

"Side C" comes with more feedback almost as if the man had his thumb on the end of a guitar cord and held it. Other noises fade in until it is overcome by this. More sounds rush in like a dam breaking and with vocals to boot. This is a perfect storm of a track.

"Side D" is a short track which reminds me of a transition to the next track as is just mainly feedback until the track is mainly over. A nice intermission track.

"Untitled" comes in with monolithic textures akin to HNW. The sounds bend and twist underneath the gales of sound. To me, this sounds like the closest thing to a tornado hitting a house. Unforgiving and unrelenting. No vocals can be heard here.

"Suicide Note" starts of really quiet. The patience one must have reading a suicide note. The anxiety and adrenaline one must feel while reading one. The track title goes with this very well. There are constant waves of sound similar to a heart beat and gets your blood pumping. Heavily distorted vocals are at the end of the track and startled me. Very nice.

"Side E" brings the listener back to reality from the extremely involving track to this next feedback induction of a track. I hear sounds that would come from a synth pedal which, normally, people tend to go crazy with, but not here. Im getting an obvious industrial vibe near the halfway point as well.

"Side F" makes the listener want to turn the volume down with the piercing feedback. The track gets lower and lower with different sounds. I almost hear vocals at some point but not audible to make out words.

The last track "Undercover Fag Cop" is an interesting title and offensive if words offend you. Right from the beginning, there is a structure a listener can bang your head to. This is the album's longest song (8 minutes). This would be perfect for the end of the first Terminator movie where Sarah Connor is running away from Rob-Swartz. The same beat goes on and on under it is overtaken by saturated feedback until nothing is left. The end.

I enjoyed the entire release. Given that a lot of 8-trks are less than 30 minutes, one can easily listen to this with no issue. I enjoyed this material as there is an apparent patience to the man's compositions. Starts off thin and ends really strong. I can see why people are taking heed of this project and would recommend to anyone.

In other news, I (Funeral Parlor) will be working on a few projects with Contraktor so keep an eye out for that!

Contraktor's material can be found at: contraktor.bandcamp.com

Future Blondes - Feather 17

Along with the Houston noise scene, there are more dance-laden experimental music as well.

I met Domokos (Black Leather Jesus // Rusted Shut) at the same show Styrofoam Sanchez played, but I missed his live performance. Why? Probably because I was drunk, but he was also hanging outside with us too. It turns out he was hanging outside while his music barraged the few listeners in the club on a Wednesday night. Even though I missed his set, I was fortunate to exchange a few words with the nice fellow and somehow obtained this album and a Texas comp tape (may review later on the future) for free. The least I could do is review the damn thing!

The packaging is really nice. There seems to be some sort of leopard print with the album name and artist title on the front while with his signature bars on the back. The sleeve has the credits and song listings and inside this lies a digital download for the record and a gorgeous white vinyl.

Side A starts with "Synth 1" that is a 5 minute track of what you would expect-synth. The track starts off very warm but dives downward and back up. Listening to this for the first time, I am not sure what lies ahead. Subtle noise appears as well along the way.

The title track "Feather 17" is a 16 minute track that completes side A. This is where I really enjoy the record as the kick drum beats its way in and then the hi-hat and snare which results in a wonderful track to sway around to. Vocals seep in and out with many different effects as well. The song builds and builds like any club jam should until its over.

Side B will be only one track that is entitled, "Fehe'r A Tuz" which spans over 20 minutes long. This begins with looped sounds while a catch drum beat slowly, but surely fades in.   The synths are very atmospheric and peaceful, which reminds me of the ending credits after a triumphant win or a happy ending. At some point, there is a transition that sounds like the music is spiraling out of control. The drugs have taken the listener too far and is experiencing a bad trip. I hear faint voices as well as well as more erie synths, but the dance beat never ceases. The track fades into obscurity and faint jingling can be heard. This reminds me of an empty bar after hours when everyone working is throwing empty bear bottles away (me trying to sober up that night).

This record is the best thing I have never heard from the city I'm moving to in a few weeks. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the more dancy type music coming out of the city.

I recommend playing this to strangers to get the full experience. Because that is exactly what you do at a nightclub. Meeting strangers.

Styrofoam Sanchez Bundle Pack

Im a fan of gimmicks, but this project takes the cake. Styrofoam Sanchez are a 3-piece from California who play really nasty-post apocalyptic industrial music while donning styrofoam masks that resemble icebergs.

I was able to see this group perform at the Mangos show the other day with the Aqua-Eroticum tour bill, RU-486, and Future Blondes. Theyre set was the most overbearing and relentless set of the night. I met one of the members after their set (pretty drunk) and bought their dvd/lp/book bundle and gave him my info for future trades.

I am finally back home to review some shit so i decided to start with this.

Since I hardly watch dvds, I decided to start here. This is called "Macular Edema/Occular Oilpool"

The artwork is nothing but black and white icebergs. "Macular Edema" is nothing but clips of different icebergs and mountains with the group walking around or perhaps even performing. I get a very gross feeling watching this.

"Occular Oilpool" is a performance only clip of what the group is like live. With everything in black and white, the performance looks ominous and downright spooky. Every member has a specific role and everything meshes (or doesn't) really well. Oh, and they also wear suits when playing. This is perfect for someone who cannot see the 3-piece live themselves. There are also clips of the group walking around in public with others donning similar masks.

The booklet is a cross between an oversized lyric booklet and comic book. There are hand-drawn pics with lyrics that almost tells a story that revolves around an underwater world. A lot of the artwork/lyrics have social political undertones as well.

And finally, the the LP entitled "Empire Underwater".

Again, the imagery holds true to the overall package which are distorted black and white photos of glaciers in an almost-collage fashion. The insert inside has the credits for the vinyl material on one side and the dvd on the opposite.

Side A begins with murky recycled sounds such as feedback and screeching sounds that makes the listener recoil. This side pics up momentarily and very clear vocals can be heard if listening carefully. I am almost certain the words in the booklet can go along with the music. Just when the listener gets used to a specific composition, one is shoved into another over and over. There are a lot of drum beats giving the sound a much more industrial vibe. This is most definitely a soundtrack to the end of the world or perhaps a daily event at Trash Island (where album was recorded).

Side B sounds like something straight out of John Carpenter's worst nightmare. There appears to be much more structure on this side (even though it may be submerged). There are many dirges throughout the random piercing sounds and distorted vocals. It They Live was remade and needed a soundtrack, this would be perfect.


While this bundle is amazing, I do not recommend taking everything in all at once. I have a problem doing that myself, but its safe to say I will be keeping a close eye on further releases.

I recommend this to anyone into the gross and disgusting or to any industrial fan.

For more info on their upcoming shows and for releases, visit www.ratskin.org.

Tangerine Dream - Rubycon

This is one of my favorite records I own. Its hard to coin a genre to this act as they have dabbled into so many. Tangerine Dream is a Moog lover's dream and Rubycon is ambience complete.

I found this at a local record store and was baffled I was not referred to this previously. I recommend purchasing albums before downloading them. You will get a very similar vibe like I have with this gem.

This record is packaged as a gatefold and released in 1975 (13 years before I was fucking born!) and the artwork appears to be the aftermath of a drop of water falling into water (if that makes sense)

This album is one song split onto two sides.

Side A slowly comes to life with gorgeous synths. You can feel the warmth coming from them. There are so many ambient textures zoning in and out. About 1/4th of the way in, a synth progression begins while others fade in as well preparing the listener for a musical journey.

Side B starts off really creepy with many different drones seeping into your ears. They become louder and louder until other sounds come in. Choir effects seep into the textures and you feel cold and overwhelmed. Afterwards, the track really picks up where side A leaves off and sounds really submerged, but safe.

This record is really influential to me. This record is way beyond its time even today. I would recommend this to anyone who is curious or has no clue what the project sounds like.

I wont post a link as their material can easily be accessed through google or any other search engine. The records are super cheap too. Maybe find one at a local record shop like I did!

Phoenix Diamond - Life Urge

Another Houston act, but not quite like the more noisy contemporaries. Phoenix Diamond is a very interesting project to say the least.

I was fortunate to play with this act at Funeral Parlor's first show. A woman with a veil over face with blowing bubbles. Very beautiful set indeed and stuck with me all night. I made sure I nabbed a copy to listen to the tape version.

Listening to this now, I am really happy I picked this up.

Like most Vulvania Editions releases I own, this comes on a black tape with what appears to be whiteout with the project name, title, and label written on both sides wrapped  in a pastel colored j-card.

Side A is very interesting. There appears to a lot of different industrial style progressions from track to track (no song titles to be found). While some songs are beautiful, some aren't and that's okay with me.

Side B is much more entrancing that the previous side. Listening bow reminds me of an old movie soundtrack. Another track reminds me of chimes blowing in the wind. Could these be field recordings? Either way, I'm infatuated with the sound on this side. I think I heard some drumming in the background on one of the tracks as well.

I enjoy this tape because the music is not adhering to any sort of norm genre wise. The project is doing what it enjoys. Maybe I enjoy it personally because of the synths, drones, and other neat sounds.

I would recommend listening to the on the front porch early in the morning while the birds are chirping loud.

Not sure if there are any more copies but check out http://inhumanignorance.blogspot.com/?m=1 for more releases that are available.

Xeno & Oaklander - Vigils

A minimal wave outlet stationed in New York and have been following closely since I listened to this release. I personally think their music has gone downhill since this release, but they're doing what they love and I cannot hate on that.

I remember first hearing this album on my computer while napping and this album sucked me into the void of this genre.

I was lucky to see the duo play in a dark club in Austin at Chaos in Tejas full of bass and fog. Although They didn't play my favorite songs, it nabbed this LP and the last shirt (that happens to me more often than not).

Having this record for two years now, I feel its time I review it.

The LP comes on a maroon sleeve with insert that has lyrics on one side and a gorgeous picture of the two walking down some steps. Everything about the package looks nice (and expensive).

Both sides have 4 tracks each.

Side A starts with "An Introduction" which is what sold me on the act from the start. Spooky synths with tight snare beats.  Seans McBride (Martial Canterel) does vocals on this track.

"Départ" is the next track and sang by Liz Wendelbo and is very fast paced and minimal.  Most of the lyrics sang by her are not in english which adds a nice touch to the overall album that brings the listener to the 80s french coldwave days whether you experienced it personally or not.

"Zurück" as you may have guess is not in english. A more steady-paced track full of synth and icy drums behind a woman's voice enshrouded in reverb.

"Blue Flower" is X & E's more popular song with great reason. The track starts with great reason. Electronic drums start the track, then synths that submerge the listener under water. The song is very beautiful and desperate. Sang in english and whispering "the stranger".

Side B picks up the pace with another popular track from the duo called "Non Senti". This track is techno lovers dream. Very danceable and creepy. I remember this track beating the life out of me. A definite minimal assault.

The title track "Vigils" is one of my favorite tracks on this record. Maybe its because I am a sucker for female vocals. He listener can hear the extent of her vocal capabilities on this one. The singing meshes perfectly with the compositions if synths and drums. Very simplistic and short the way I love it.

"Two Eyes" has Sean back on vocals but the lyrics are missing from the insert. Oh well. This track is very cold nonetheless. Very lo-fi and dark.

"Ransack" is a track I do not remember ever listening to in the past. A very unconventional track apparently recorded two years before most of these songs. High end synths with Liz on vocals. Sounds like something coming out of an NES game drenched in reverb.

The cd version has my favorite song of theirs (frostbite) but you guys can check that out yourselves.

I enjoy this release as this album is the closest thing to Asylum Party (all time favorite band) I can find that is actively around. I enjoy this record out of their discography because of the lo-fi production. Everything else is much too poppy and upbeat for me. This is a very depressing record.

Recommend to every sad lad/lass out there.

More can be found at www.xenoandoaklander.com

Ferveur Noire

Noise. Noise. Noise. Cannot get enough noise. Today, I'm reviewing Austin-based (or was) noise project Ferveur Noire.

I met the man behind this project unfortunately at his last show at Austin's Sux By Sux West fest. I gave him my first Funeral Parlor release (I wish I still had some copies) and found out the guy used to reside in the same town I am located (Nacogdoches). His last show was great and full of noise.

I ordered this tape a week or so after on discogs and received rather quickly

The tape itself is very appealing to look at with a nice insert along with artwork on each side of the tape.

Side A starts with "Saboteur" and it is quite a track. The track starts with some drone until the onslaught of noise attacks the ear drums. There are so many different sounds and textures coming at the listener, which really keeps one involved in listening unlike hnw.

Side B is "Distant" and is much more dirty that the other side. A much more patient track. The listener hear frequencies hit high and low points throughout the track. This track, if compared to anything, is like a vacuum. Being sucked into something until there is nothing left. The end of the track has somber piano playing until the track fades away.

This tape is short, sweet, and requires a lot of attention. One of many tapes I would recommend listening to while dubbing tapes in real time (me right now..)

This and other tapes can be found at www.monorailtrespassing.com.

((Pressures)) - Casting Shadows

I do like noise a lot, but my favorite style of electronic music is synth pop hands down.

Maybe it was due to all the video games I played as a child and many of Eurythmics and Whitney Houston singles that flooded the radio in my mom's truck. Regardless, ((Pressures)) is some of the best synth pop / minimal wave (whatever) I almost never knew from New Orleans.

I remember going to Austin's last Chaos In Tejas with a new pair of doc martins. Long story short, my feet were fucked up by the time I reached the third venue for the third act I wanted to see (along with spontaneously vomitting on the side of a street. I was coerced into seeing this duo play at Austin's Mohawk (inside) and their set was one of my favorite sets of the weekend. Very dark, cold, and minimal.

I picked up this limited tape and have listened to it many times. I figured its time for a review.

The tape itself is professionally made with print on each side of the cream white shell along with a minimal insert.

The first track is "Casting Shadows" and is a perfect track to be introduced to the act. This track is very danceable and you can almost find yourself moving to the music. The vocals have a vocoder effect like what Kraftwerk does at times. This track sounds something straight out of The Never-ending Story. Very dreamy.

"Vanishing" ends side A with a very minimal track. Electronic snares beating to the electronic sounds and synths. There doesn't appear to be vocals whatsoever on this track, but the beat goes on and on with subtle changes to boot.

Side B starts with "Bizarre Times" and is the most involving track. The song starts with a specific synth progression and snare with some reverb on it. This track is a song to bop your head to in some fog at a night club. The vocals are much more audible and has much other effects going on in the sidelines.

The last track "Abnormal" is my favorite track and the last one on this tape. The percussion on this track is perfect. The song is very slow. Like droplets of water sliding of ice sickles falling into a puddle of water. Very catchy and to the point.

This tape is perfect to be introduced to the duo. I try to keep tabs on their live events, but haven't seen anything personally close to me to see them. I recommend this to anyone into dark electronic pop music.

For more items from this act and similar endeavors, check out http://diskoobscura.com.

Sacro e Profano - I

Anonymity. Many try this and fail. How far does one go to be heard, but not seen?

This cassette tape I received in the mail was through the blog actually. The person emailed me asking for my address and when I began to ask questions, I only received links to the material and shortly no response whatsoever.

I had completely forgotten about this transaction until I held it in my hands today.

The cassette and packaging is just as anonymous as the person behind it. Black ink on pink paper (out of 5) with a picture of a man who appears to be undressing a woman. There is another flap that has a contact email (who you would have a 50/50 chance of reaching) and the title of the album "I". This j-card is wrapped around a solid black tape with a black case.

There are no track titles or no way of determining which side is which so I will start with whichever side I can play first.

The first side starts very loud and very deep. This is HNW more up my alley to be honest. Very full and does not sound like radio interference (turn on AM radio for yourself next time you get a chance). I feel confused and trapped on this side. The volume is great too.

The second side seems to be more bass-laden that the previous side. This is pure wall and I have no clue who did this. This side sounds very buried. Like listening to this in another room.


I personally like this tape because this is the style of HNW i enjoy most. This tape is very massive and not super long. Also, its great to finally have a physical release mailed to me.

I would totally recommend getting this tape while its available at https://sacroeprofano.bandcamp.com/releases.

**four flies were killed during this review**