clippingsplendorandmisery

Deconstructing Interference #7

clippingsplendorandmisery

This is Deconstructing Interference, the roundup, dealing with all the non-metal and experimental stuff that I find interesting. If you want to be considered for this column or have anything else to recommend, drop me an e-mail at [email protected]

ShiftedAppropriation Stories

Guy Alexander Brewer is an experimental noise/techno artist with a solid foundation in drum’n’bass. He has explored different aspects of electronic music through a number of projects, but he enters uncharted territory with Appropriation Stories. A subliminal artist, working beneath the surface, he produces a work of dark minimalism where dark beats are interrupted by razor sharp synths. Brewer’s techno background is apparent in the record’s pure energy and drive. It is also no coincidence that Appropriation Stories is being released through Dominick Fernow’s Hospital Productions.

WIFEStandard Nature

WIFE is the solo electronic project of James Kelly, known as the mastermind of Irish post-black metal act Altar of Plagues. Having already released an EP, Stoic, and a full-length, What’s Between, Kelly tackles his next work as both a singer/songwriter and an exploratory experimental electronic musician. The fact that Kelly explores themes relating to his time as an environmental researcher is no coincidence, and the EP balances the mechanical side of electronic music and the serenity of the singer/songwriter mentality to describe a brutal issue.

clipping.Splendor & Misery

Afrofuturistic notions, Kubrick-ian concepts, slave songs,Tupac and Matthew McConaughey references . . .  these are just some of the themes clipping. play around with in their sophomore record. Stepping further into the experimental hip-hop realm with Splendor & Misery they make a Faustian bargain to achieve an unearthly balance between catchy tunes and abstract notions, encompassing elements of noise and power electronics with this operatic space adventure. Highly recommended!

Mats GustafssonMG50: Peace and Fire

When you think about experimental free-jazz saxophone players, the first name that will probably pop into your head (if any do) is Peter Brotzmann, but the second has to be Mats Gustafsson. The Swedish musician released a four disc album, celebrating his 50 years in the scene. The collection showcases his pioneering fusion of punk and free jazz, as well as his more mellow and drone sides. Perfectly titled Peace and Fire, with dualism defining this work, as Gustafsson accompanied with friends (for the first three discs) dwells into some of his most stunning band performances, before the final solo (including some duos) disc comes to remind us of his boundary pushing touch.

PetrelsJord

Just last year Oliver Barrett released Flailing Tomb under the Petrels moniker, and already another chapter arrives with Jord. Deeply atmospheric as have been his previous works, Jord is an ethereal hymn to nature, something that is further highlighted with a touch of a neo-folk sensitivity. Unconventional melodies, slow progression and dense structures meet with noise elements, background chants and catchy themes, with some even conventional structure in “The Long Man,” all work together to build this strongly emotional work.

RVOTaciturn Manner

Having released numerous singles and EPs through Afin Records, Reggy Van Oares (RVO) set up his own record label, Telemorph, through which his debut album, Taciturn Manner is being released. The cinematic presence is a key element of RVO’s process, combined in a magnificent manner with his techno tentacles. As he has mentioned in a previous interview, the field recordings that make up much of the album’s core were recorded during a difficult time, and transformed into Taciturn Manner, a stunning effort that reflects the producer’s mindset at the time.

Reggy Van Oers: Primal Need – NOWNESS from NOWNESS on Vimeo.

Sankt Otten + NMannerfreundschaften und Metaphysik

It is always interesting seeing a band move away from its comfort zone. What is even more interesting is a collaboration between two artists, where safe spaces are actually exchanged. Electronic/Krautrock duo Sankt Otten and experimental drone/noise guitarist N attempt a moulding of their diverse sounds, resulting in a wondrous trip. The abstract domain of N enriches the mechanical tone of Sankt Otten, and the krautrock style of the latter is reconfigured by the guitarist’s sonic enhancements.

KillekillThe End Is Near (Parts 1 & 2)

Earlier this year, legendary electronic label Killekill decided on a change of course. The End Is Near is a new four-entry series, featuring stunning artwork from visual artist Elzo Durt. From a listen to the first two parts of this series it looks like the focus is on the intelligent, acid side of techno music. Dez Williams produces an energetically erratic trip through dance elements and hellish notions, while Kamikaze Space Programme travel from heavy beats to minimalism and futuristic visions, featuring a stellar remix from JoeFarr.


Dax JIllusions of Power

The London producer based in Berlin returns after numerous EPs and singles with his new 12” vinyl Illusions of Power. The record is inspired by political corruption, a theme characterizing our times, the illusion of control, wars, drugs and media systems. Through a very well-informed grasp on techno, he produces a work both militaristic and atmospheric. Filled with an acid perspective, this album details the limits of control with great accuracy and a mind bending manner.

Ryuji TakeuchiOutbound To Inner Self EP

Distortion to maximum effect seems to be the motto of Takeuchi’s latest release, and it works wonders for him. Heavy beats and a techno/house mentality become the starting point, before the spiralling descent into chaos begins. The producer takes an erratic and chaotic trip, filled with flickering notes, constant pummeling bass and an overall acidic effect, creating extreme tension and a sense of destruction through this to-the-point offering.