We are too excited for Japan so we delve into a classic comp that emanated out of Osaka — “Noise Forest.” A truly mandatory CD, “Noise Forest” brings together a powerhouse of early 90s Japanese noise stalwarts such as Merzbow, Masonna, CCCC, Mode Bruits and more. Traverse with us and get lost on the “Noise Forest.”
For the ExtraNOISEXTRA segment on the patreon, we go over multiple versions and sessions of Merzbow “Travelling” that was released by Slowdown Records.
It’s time for another legendary noise VHS viewing with “Good Alchemy Video.” A mandatory visual document, we get classic footage of Masonna, Incapacitants, Merzbow, Solmania, and Hijokaidan. The explosive excitement of these performances infect us and anyone who pops this in their VCR. Adjust your tracking and prepare for the glory of noise.
An absolute classic VHS called for our first in-person episode in a long time as we all got together to watch “Kingdom of Noise: Japanese Noise Selection.” Truly mandatory viewing for everyone, it was great to revisit as these clips were some of the first noise visuals we saw back in the 90s. This tape is a perfect showcase of the breadth of Japanese noise featuring Masonna, Merzbow, Seed Mouth, Incapacitants, and much more. A mandatory look into extreme history.
In our first episode on a Ground Fault Series 1 CD, we bring nature inside with Kiyoshi Mizutani’s “Bird Songs.” Tara supplies the info on some of the specific birds heard on this album, and we all get lost in a sea of trees. Let the natural world lay down the atmosphere in your unnatural surroundings.
This week Greh and Mike sit down with Pat O’Neil and Mark Jameson, aka SKIN CRIME. We listened to the legendary compilation CD “Music Should Hurt” on Pat’s own Self Abuse label. We cover many classic ’90s noise bands from all over the globe, what it was like to put together a comp in the pre-internet age, running a noise label in the 90s, and a ton more. This won’t hurt one little bit.
One last duo session to settle into the new mode, Greh and Mike been preparing for the Hospital fest in LA and since Junko is performing solo we figured we’d pop on 1996’s “Ferocity of Practical Life” 10″ by noise legends Hijokaidan, one of the longest running acts around. All-star lineup this time around, with classics Jojo and Junko Hiroshige, Toshiji Mikawa and Fumio Kosakai (Incapacitants) and Masami Akita! NOISE!
Our 12th episode and it just so happens to be Collapse 12 Floors, with guest Peter Rehberg, best known for his project PITA and the essential Editions Mego label. Peter lends some insight into the dawn of the digital era by discussing Merzbow’s earliest released computer album with us. Get under a table or stand in a doorframe as we get shook.
What a treat! Philip Best (Consumer Electronics, Whitehouse, Amphetamine Sulphate, et al.) was in town and sat down with Mike and Greh to discuss the Spiral Honey CD on Work in Progress from 1996. This harsh, nasty, buzzing record is met with great elation by the three of us, Connelly makes a compliment faux pas and Philip takes some time to discuss the true benefits of our Patreon.
Russell Haswell (Consumer Electronics, Satanstornade) stopped by while in town for a show to speak with us about 1996’s Mercurated on Alchemy Records. Russell gives insight about collaborating with Masami Akita, seeing him live for the first time, and the magic of Japanese-label Merzbow CDs.
For this strange 1994 12″ from UK label short-lived Ten Bob Swerver, we had Elden M (Allegory Chapel Ltd., Avellan Cross) over for a nice loud listen. Elden talks about joining Merzbow on stage, touring Japan in the 90s and we give our take on a weird record from the classic era of Merzbow, including a B side with the Masami/Reiko/Bara power-trio!