I enjoy splits. With these, a listener can check out a new project along with a familiar or perhaps two new projects at once. I personally prefer two different sounding projects on splits, but sometimes two of the same works as well.
I received this split from from the owner of Unlimited Drift at a local show. Unfortunately, my first copy was blank and now that I have a dubbed copy (kindly from the same man), I will finally knock this cassette out.
The packaging is a red tape encased in a plastic bag that closes with colored tape. I enjoy the artwork of the girl on the cover who is obviously deep in thought or somewhat concerned.
Side is begins with Foul with the track "Cement". Such a fitting title for a wall project. The wall bursts into the listener's ears and will get the feeling of being pinned (this is at full blast volume by the way). This track is interesting because I can hear some faint high pitched static but does not overpower the actual wall that some projects succumb to. I look forward to hearing more from this project.
Side B is Oregon-based She Walks Crooked with the track called, "Breaking Hours Out Of Change". Its great hearing more of this project and delivers exactly what you would expect and that is great wall. This is a rather interesting track honestly and has a lot going on with it. It sounds like the wall was made with field recordings with massive distortion. Maybe Im just hearing things, but there is a definite structure even though the genre literally brags on "lack of structure". The track ends abruptly and the tape leaves me hungry for more.
Short wall noise tapes are perfect to take it the entire time and even better that its a split. A perfect way for artists to market themselves to more people with the notorious limited runs noise labels tend to do.
If you're feeling some great wall noise, dabble in this if its still available. Buy from the respective artists or go straight to the source at www.unlimiteddrift.blogspot.com
Also, with Black Friday and the holidays closing in, please buy music from starving artists/labels. Tapes make great stocking gifts and are low in price. Maybe even an experimental secret santa is in order!
Maybe next year...
Friday, December 12, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Within
I have been meaning to review this tape for a long time. Midwest wall noise project Within is wall static incarnate. I remember hearing this for the first time driving to Houston while raining and really wanted to get a physical copy. I finally nabbed a copy from Jeff (Distorted Visions/Fecal Dam/Within) while on his Occult Perversions tour.
The physical release has side A of the clear cassette spray-painted a cloudy white that looks pretty damn cool. The tape is encased in a black norelco case with a jcard with art looking something like the inside of a church.
Side A (Damned By the Living) is exactly what you would expect. Complete static. While staying true to its texture the entire way of the track and not coming off weak or brittle like a lot of acts can do. This track lacks any sort if beef or bass, which is refreshing as I don't want to be pummeled to death for an hour of wall (well not on tapes at least). The static may be loud, but you can often forget what you're listening to and not in a negative way.
Side B (As I Seal My Tomb) is a much more beefy track. The track almost sounds like the previous one, but with perhaps more mids and lows or just more layers. Aside from that, you got much more static and a ton on both sides.
This tape is great while doing something else. Sitting here reviewing this to has been almost painful, but has been one of my favorite wall noise releases I have received this year (believe me...this is the most common sub genre I get in the mail).
Google "Distorted Visions" for more info on this tape and others, but I am pretty sure this tape is out of print.
Sorry guys.
The physical release has side A of the clear cassette spray-painted a cloudy white that looks pretty damn cool. The tape is encased in a black norelco case with a jcard with art looking something like the inside of a church.
Side A (Damned By the Living) is exactly what you would expect. Complete static. While staying true to its texture the entire way of the track and not coming off weak or brittle like a lot of acts can do. This track lacks any sort if beef or bass, which is refreshing as I don't want to be pummeled to death for an hour of wall (well not on tapes at least). The static may be loud, but you can often forget what you're listening to and not in a negative way.
Side B (As I Seal My Tomb) is a much more beefy track. The track almost sounds like the previous one, but with perhaps more mids and lows or just more layers. Aside from that, you got much more static and a ton on both sides.
This tape is great while doing something else. Sitting here reviewing this to has been almost painful, but has been one of my favorite wall noise releases I have received this year (believe me...this is the most common sub genre I get in the mail).
Google "Distorted Visions" for more info on this tape and others, but I am pretty sure this tape is out of print.
Sorry guys.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Achromaticist - Expanses
I know nothing of this project. The story goes is I posted my blog on a social network and was contacted by the guy asking if a flash drive would be considered a physical release. I said yes as I could physically hold the music in my hands. If you think about it, its basically just like a cdr.
We lost contact for a while and I had given him my old address (parents house) and since I needed to come back and pick up some clothes/records, I found the package with this item.
The flash drive itself is metal with a lot of scratches and was very cold since there is no heater in the room I am forcing myself to sleep in. Popping this drive into my disc drive-less laptop, it shows 5 long tracks.
The first track of this project is called "Expanse I" and is by far the longest track I have listened to in a long time spanning at an hour and 38 minutes. Right off the bat, this track is very hollow and airy. Im getting an ambient vibe big time and even some drone as the changes (so far) at little to none. A subtle deepening changes occurs around the 6 minute mark, which fades in an out of obscurity. Some severe and daunting synths come in around the 13 minute mark and the indifferent nothingness grows. At the 27 minute mark, the track almost becomes overwhelming. Its like looking at the stars and feeling extremely useless. At the 40 minute mark, there are so super windy atmospheres playing into the black hole of a mix. At the hour mark, the track dies down dramatically.
I have unfortunately misplaced the flash drive to complete the review, but I believe this will be more than enough to give a passerby a hint of what this massive project is like.
Again, I will review any format mailed to me in my first post.
For more of this project, go here: http://achromaticist.bandcamp.com
We lost contact for a while and I had given him my old address (parents house) and since I needed to come back and pick up some clothes/records, I found the package with this item.
The flash drive itself is metal with a lot of scratches and was very cold since there is no heater in the room I am forcing myself to sleep in. Popping this drive into my disc drive-less laptop, it shows 5 long tracks.
The first track of this project is called "Expanse I" and is by far the longest track I have listened to in a long time spanning at an hour and 38 minutes. Right off the bat, this track is very hollow and airy. Im getting an ambient vibe big time and even some drone as the changes (so far) at little to none. A subtle deepening changes occurs around the 6 minute mark, which fades in an out of obscurity. Some severe and daunting synths come in around the 13 minute mark and the indifferent nothingness grows. At the 27 minute mark, the track almost becomes overwhelming. Its like looking at the stars and feeling extremely useless. At the 40 minute mark, there are so super windy atmospheres playing into the black hole of a mix. At the hour mark, the track dies down dramatically.
I have unfortunately misplaced the flash drive to complete the review, but I believe this will be more than enough to give a passerby a hint of what this massive project is like.
Again, I will review any format mailed to me in my first post.
For more of this project, go here: http://achromaticist.bandcamp.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Flesh Vomit - Eradicate
I am not sure where I came across this project, but I know this has been an act I have steadily been following. I got this tape specifically for a review and my computer is dead so I will go ahead and do this while I can.
"Eradicate" is on cassette tape format and is J's first physical release. Speaking of the actual release, the tape has red spots akin to blood that looks spattered on a black shell encased in a black norelco case. The cover shows a lofi pic of a home on fire, which I find very cool. Also, the tape comes with a piece of paper that allows the listener to contact the man behind this compelling noise project.
Side B is "Our Eradication" starts of really slow and atmospheric. The wall of sound literally sounds like a wind tunnel, which comes off very peaceful to me. Soon enough there are different wavelengths going up and down. Hints of static breathes its way into the mix that gives me goosebumps. I believe I am hearing some low end synths. I could be wrong. They overall sound goes from wind tunnel to waves splashing (almost said crashing). What I like about this track is every sound that sinks into the mix comes in and out as if the pieces are taking turns while going along with each other if that makes sense. I also like how steady the static is. This is not loud and in your face and not at all harsh to me. I like it.
Side A is "Cadaver King". This begins with creepy sound clip until you are blasted with an astoundingly harsh track. Based on the textures, there appears to be many layers and can be noticed if listening carefully. I wonder what is actually under all of the noise. This track may be more prominent, but I feel has a lot less going in than its predecessor.
I like this tape because it looks great for a debut release and the noise made is already on par with many established acts. Not only will I be looking forward to more from this project, I am happy to announce of a collab I will be doing with this project under my wall noise project. Expect some dynamic noise.
Im unsure if there are any copies left (/50), but you can contact Mr. Perez at fleshvomit760@gmail.com and can hear more material at www.fleshvomit.bandcamp.com.
Too lazy to put sides in order. I reviewed the tape as it was. Enjoy.
"Eradicate" is on cassette tape format and is J's first physical release. Speaking of the actual release, the tape has red spots akin to blood that looks spattered on a black shell encased in a black norelco case. The cover shows a lofi pic of a home on fire, which I find very cool. Also, the tape comes with a piece of paper that allows the listener to contact the man behind this compelling noise project.
Side B is "Our Eradication" starts of really slow and atmospheric. The wall of sound literally sounds like a wind tunnel, which comes off very peaceful to me. Soon enough there are different wavelengths going up and down. Hints of static breathes its way into the mix that gives me goosebumps. I believe I am hearing some low end synths. I could be wrong. They overall sound goes from wind tunnel to waves splashing (almost said crashing). What I like about this track is every sound that sinks into the mix comes in and out as if the pieces are taking turns while going along with each other if that makes sense. I also like how steady the static is. This is not loud and in your face and not at all harsh to me. I like it.
Side A is "Cadaver King". This begins with creepy sound clip until you are blasted with an astoundingly harsh track. Based on the textures, there appears to be many layers and can be noticed if listening carefully. I wonder what is actually under all of the noise. This track may be more prominent, but I feel has a lot less going in than its predecessor.
I like this tape because it looks great for a debut release and the noise made is already on par with many established acts. Not only will I be looking forward to more from this project, I am happy to announce of a collab I will be doing with this project under my wall noise project. Expect some dynamic noise.
Im unsure if there are any copies left (/50), but you can contact Mr. Perez at fleshvomit760@gmail.com and can hear more material at www.fleshvomit.bandcamp.com.
Too lazy to put sides in order. I reviewed the tape as it was. Enjoy.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Jock Club / Søren split
My first recollection of the label Ascetic House was seeing Marshstepper for the first time. Little did I know that the project stated just now would be pretty much odd man out so to speak.
Jock Club and Soren are both similar projects playing very catchy house and techno-esc music. I purchased this at Austin's End Of An Ear (wonder of they still have that Blood Axis record..) before going to a fest. I actually put one of my Funeral Parlor tapes in its place and think Matt (Aunts Analog) nabbed it.
Anyways, I do enjoy both projects, but do not remember much from this tape in particular and both sides are 21 minutes each.
The physical release is on a black tape wrapped in weird paper with simplistic artwork the label seems to do a lot.
Side A begins with Jock Club. A very interesting name. The tape begins with simplistic bass kicks and high hats similar to a club beat. More sounds drop in from a synth with a lot of reverb. One can feel the fog rolling in and their buzz from their last drink. More progressions sink in and out perfectly throughout this side keep the listener interested and wanting to nod to the beat. There appears to be more than one track listening to this a second time but no track listings. Another one comes and another one goes. Listening to this with the lights off and with sunglasses on along with a nice subwoofer will make this side a memorable one. One thing in particular about this side I like is how cold everything sounds without coming off as a coldwave revivalist. This is very refreshing indeed.
Soren finishes side B off and I have been following the project almost as much as the A side project. One thing the listener will notice is how massive the tracks from Soren are. There are tons of different progressions and build ups to make your heart race like crazy. What I like about this side is the ever constant beats but the sounds are lushly sequenced together. You can hear a lot of analog synths on this side.
This tape suits its purpose very well. Making your neck hurt from nodding to the beat. The only intermission you have is to flip the cassette over. I recommend this to anyone for the love of dance music. These guys do it well.
You can buy a copy directly from me at http://www.discogs.com/buy/Cassette/Jock-Club-Søren-Split/196231437 because as much as I love reviewing physical copies, I must make some extra money for the holidays.
Time for work. Hope all is well.
Jock Club and Soren are both similar projects playing very catchy house and techno-esc music. I purchased this at Austin's End Of An Ear (wonder of they still have that Blood Axis record..) before going to a fest. I actually put one of my Funeral Parlor tapes in its place and think Matt (Aunts Analog) nabbed it.
Anyways, I do enjoy both projects, but do not remember much from this tape in particular and both sides are 21 minutes each.
The physical release is on a black tape wrapped in weird paper with simplistic artwork the label seems to do a lot.
Side A begins with Jock Club. A very interesting name. The tape begins with simplistic bass kicks and high hats similar to a club beat. More sounds drop in from a synth with a lot of reverb. One can feel the fog rolling in and their buzz from their last drink. More progressions sink in and out perfectly throughout this side keep the listener interested and wanting to nod to the beat. There appears to be more than one track listening to this a second time but no track listings. Another one comes and another one goes. Listening to this with the lights off and with sunglasses on along with a nice subwoofer will make this side a memorable one. One thing in particular about this side I like is how cold everything sounds without coming off as a coldwave revivalist. This is very refreshing indeed.
Soren finishes side B off and I have been following the project almost as much as the A side project. One thing the listener will notice is how massive the tracks from Soren are. There are tons of different progressions and build ups to make your heart race like crazy. What I like about this side is the ever constant beats but the sounds are lushly sequenced together. You can hear a lot of analog synths on this side.
This tape suits its purpose very well. Making your neck hurt from nodding to the beat. The only intermission you have is to flip the cassette over. I recommend this to anyone for the love of dance music. These guys do it well.
You can buy a copy directly from me at http://www.discogs.com/buy/Cassette/Jock-Club-Søren-Split/196231437 because as much as I love reviewing physical copies, I must make some extra money for the holidays.
Time for work. Hope all is well.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Occult Perversions Southern Tour 2014 tape
This tour tape I received from Jeff of Distorted Visions on his (Fecal Dam) tour with Aqua-Eroticum and Black Pillar. Ive listened to the Cdr version plenty of times in my car, but decided to review the tape since I have it on me right now.
The tape is a clear shell with a black case and had a jcard with the projects and their track titles. Lets see how this sounds with tape hiss.
The tape begins with Aqua-Eroticum, and power electronics project I previously reviewed in support of this tour. The track fades in with "I Dont Listen, I just Stare" and is some of the most solid material from this project. Very memorable and the vocals are high in the mix (higher than normal which is neat). The track gets louder and louder as well.
"Fucked By Drugs, Fucked By Disease" is the second/final track of this project and bursts inside your ear canals as soon as it starts along with heavy static. Definitely one of this project's more harsh and dense tracks.
Black Pillar, a death industrial (i believe), is next and is my first listen from this project. "Ritual Insufflation" begins with synths the drums blow up in your face in a mechanical fashion. Honestly, my favorite track on this release. Vocals can be heard faintly as well (may be due to the tape format). I really like how the track begins and ends the same.
"Ritual Fucking" is the last track of this project and starts off side B. This track is has thick-murky synths right from the get go with sporadic sparks of static. I believe I hear vocals, but could be wrong. There is a lot going on in the track, but is much less dynamic that its predecessor. I am going to keep my eye on this project for sure.
The last project is Fecal Dam and is straight harsh noise and its loud as fuck. The track "Milkshake Party" begins with a bit of static, until you are bombarded with heavy (for a lack of better words) and blistering noise. There is so much going on, but doesn't sound like an improvisation that many tend to do. Everything falls into place like the pieces were meant to mesh/collide into each other.
"Morning Sickness" is not only the last track for the project, but ends the tape as well. This track begins with soft static that reminds of of a waterfall. This track is not as IN YOUR FACE and the previous one, but still noteworthy as this relies heavily on atmosphere and shows, to me, that this isn't some random "pedal pusher". Again, everything from beginning to end seems rehearsed and that is what I am enjoying the most out of it.
I love this tape mainly for nostalgic purposes as there seemed to be something wrong with 2/3rds of the dubbing, but that is just how tape dubbing works sometimes as Ive had similar issues myself.
With that being said, I love every track on this tape and have heard this on two different mediums.
Another perk of this is the positioning of the tracks. Listening all the way through, the tape gets louder and louder and more involving with each track.
Definitely recommend multiple listens and hope to see these guys again. Go midwest.
You can actually purchase/listen here: https://distortedvisions.bandcamp.com/album/occult-perversions-southern-tour-2014
The tape is a clear shell with a black case and had a jcard with the projects and their track titles. Lets see how this sounds with tape hiss.
The tape begins with Aqua-Eroticum, and power electronics project I previously reviewed in support of this tour. The track fades in with "I Dont Listen, I just Stare" and is some of the most solid material from this project. Very memorable and the vocals are high in the mix (higher than normal which is neat). The track gets louder and louder as well.
"Fucked By Drugs, Fucked By Disease" is the second/final track of this project and bursts inside your ear canals as soon as it starts along with heavy static. Definitely one of this project's more harsh and dense tracks.
Black Pillar, a death industrial (i believe), is next and is my first listen from this project. "Ritual Insufflation" begins with synths the drums blow up in your face in a mechanical fashion. Honestly, my favorite track on this release. Vocals can be heard faintly as well (may be due to the tape format). I really like how the track begins and ends the same.
"Ritual Fucking" is the last track of this project and starts off side B. This track is has thick-murky synths right from the get go with sporadic sparks of static. I believe I hear vocals, but could be wrong. There is a lot going on in the track, but is much less dynamic that its predecessor. I am going to keep my eye on this project for sure.
The last project is Fecal Dam and is straight harsh noise and its loud as fuck. The track "Milkshake Party" begins with a bit of static, until you are bombarded with heavy (for a lack of better words) and blistering noise. There is so much going on, but doesn't sound like an improvisation that many tend to do. Everything falls into place like the pieces were meant to mesh/collide into each other.
"Morning Sickness" is not only the last track for the project, but ends the tape as well. This track begins with soft static that reminds of of a waterfall. This track is not as IN YOUR FACE and the previous one, but still noteworthy as this relies heavily on atmosphere and shows, to me, that this isn't some random "pedal pusher". Again, everything from beginning to end seems rehearsed and that is what I am enjoying the most out of it.
I love this tape mainly for nostalgic purposes as there seemed to be something wrong with 2/3rds of the dubbing, but that is just how tape dubbing works sometimes as Ive had similar issues myself.
With that being said, I love every track on this tape and have heard this on two different mediums.
Another perk of this is the positioning of the tracks. Listening all the way through, the tape gets louder and louder and more involving with each track.
Definitely recommend multiple listens and hope to see these guys again. Go midwest.
You can actually purchase/listen here: https://distortedvisions.bandcamp.com/album/occult-perversions-southern-tour-2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
The Siamese Pearl - Death-Darting Eye
Living the city life has limited my time for reviews (all my tapes aren't with me either) so I will do reviews when I can from now on.
Today, I will look at The Siamese Pearl, which happens to be Carlos from Opus Finis' experimental project.
I received this from Dillan of Ferveur Noire's distro and mainly bought this tape due to my interest in his minimal synth project stated above.
I've listened to this one time and didn't give the tape much attention. Now seems like a good time more than ever.
The physical tape comes in a hand-designed jewel case with the tape and booklet with lyrics/credits. Whoever buys this will not get two copies exactly the same and that is pretty neat in my book.
Side A begins with heavy synths and atmosphere not like Carlos' more known (if following the genre he/people put his project in). Grunts with a lot of delay come in before the first song is over.
The next track of what appears to be "Hermetic Hermit" sounds very minimal with reverb-drenched vocals.
"Night Scepter" comes in patiently with many layers of analog textures. A synth progression sinks in along with some thumps from a drum machine and the track builds of that. Little-but obvious structure forms and the vocals come through with lyrical content that is very bleak and dark.
"Chimera" drops in with many different noise textures that is unlike anything Carlos has done to my knowledge and is refreshing to hear. No lyrics in this track.
"Odepidus of the Black Oriface" is the last track for side A and one of the shortest, which brings the listener back to the overall creepy vibe of this tape.
Side B starts with "Attributable Decay" jumps in with many synth-laden layers and signature vocals sacked on top of each other. The track itself is very entrancing.
"Turnip Blood" reminds me of an death industrial track, but less obvious. Very minimal and extremely to the point. "lead in veins" can be heard over and over until the dam breaks and the track is dead.
"Axe" is the most memorable track on this tape mainly due to the militant drumming on the track. I'll go ahead and say this has a much more martial industrial vibe to it. Vocals key in and out at appropriate moments and resonates throughout the composition. A personal fave.
The last track "He's Not Kind To Other Wraiths" is not only an odd name, but is the final track on the cassette. To me, this could be intentional noise/atmosphere or could be filler to complete this side of the track. Either way, the track is listenable and not forgettable.
Listening to this tape now, I kind of wish I could have the mp3 files to jan on my ipod. This album had great potential for much play-throughs. I enjoyed the overall aspect of the tape and I really liked how every track was different.
I am not sure if you can check this out anywhere, but can be found on discogs much for a much higher price than I paid it for:
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