(sic 138) Scum ‘Exploitation des machines a habiter’ 12” + CD
The first full-length LP from Sou Inomoto’s Scum is a career highlight, a focused and highly detailed work of extreme electronics tension and layered dynamic uncomfortability. ‘Exploitation des machines a habiter’ is two lengthy tracks: the first a tunnelled exorcism of straining drones and sympathetic textures which peaks into noise saturation; the second a longer catharsis of high energy cut-up, loops and vortexed fragments taking form from divergent base elements.
The initial master was considered too harrowing for the cutting engineer, so a new vinyl master was prepared – with the original CD master included here as an additional CD. Inspired artwork from Francoise Duvivier and liner notes from Eric Wood (Bastard Noise) complete this milestone release which is here at long last! Edition of 180 copies.
(sic 143) Evil Moisture & Vanity Productions 'Sex Sells' C-21
In the early sweat of the 2020 pandemic, ‘Sex Sells’ quickly emerged and dissipated as an online release: a remnant of grimy physicality and grinding interaction which was thrust aside as the world retreated. ‘Sex Sells’ is driven by Andy Bolus’ mangled tape mutations, made all the more vivid by Christian Stadsgaard’s sharper electronics counterpoints. Disappointment, tease, degradation and release all find obscured voice in the exchange of ‘Sex Sells’, the first but hopefully not the last manifestation of these two’s late night explorations.
The cassette is packaged an oversized card sleeve, each of which has been uniquely collage with torn magazine advertisements and then obscured by layers of paint, glaze and iron-aluminium granules. These things took forever to assemble. A handful of copies made their way to the USA for Andy’s summer shows, and now the rest of the world gets to play catch up. Limited edition of 75 copies.
(sic 149) Rusalka & Primitive Isolation Tactics split C-60
Split cassette from two of my favourite Canadians. I had ten minutes of Rusalka material originally intended for another release, which I couldn’t let go to waste. Thankfully Kate was able to supplement her studio recording of heavy saturation with a stunning live track of slow-motion subtlety and long-form dynamic which opens into a heady pressurisation of high end magnetism
The flip side is five tracks of virile free-form noise from Taylor Geddes, ranging Primitive Isolation Tactic’s strengths from low-end grunt to charged variations and lulls of rippling respite. The cassette is packaged in densely collaged exterior artwork by Frédérick Maheux and inner photography by Kate, all housed in an oversized ziplock bag. Edition of 70 copies.
(sic 156) Endprojekt ‘Distraktion/Despair’ C-21
New recordings from this incredible trio of Dominic Guerin (Tone Generator, SPK, Last Dominion Lost), Hirofumi Uchino (Defektro), Steve Spectre (Fraughman). ‘Distraktion’ ascends through carefully developed synth layers, initial ambience giving way to a more painful atmospheric assault as solar winds penetrate deeper than their tangibility suggests. B side ‘Despair’ hangs disconcerting curtainry back on earth, adding sombre vocal layers which fall from an unsettling atonal fog to hint at Coil’s explorations into purer ambience.
Initial copies of ‘Distraktion/Despair’ were made available at the seminal ‘InnerWest Noise Fest 2’ in July 2023, and remaining copies are now cast into the wider world. These recordings truly benefit from the higher fidelity tapes I insist on using, and with this release I’m confident listeners will hear why. Artwork by Hirofumi, edition of 75 copies.
(sic 165) No Guard C-27
No Guard’s self-titled release is intended to surpass the project’s demo recordings as its first release proper, an opening statement and tunnelling of intent. The cassette’s five tracks utilise modular synthesis, samples and voice to create unique and highly evocative power electronics nocturnes which draw in atmospheric noise, Anenzephalia-esque synth bleakness, ravaged vocal blisters and tonal despondency. “Clear proof of what can be achieved when taking care and time with regard to composition and recording” – Noise Receptor Issue No 11.
Edition of 50 copies, black tapes and artwork in a Norelco case. Mastered by Thomas Garrison. I am so pleased to be releasing Tom’s recordings, and am confident this cassette is a modern genre highlight – don’t come crying when these are sold out.
(sic 169) Lucas ‘Granpa’ Abela ‘Squirrels On Fire’ C-18
When our outdoor table broke last year and shattered glass everywhere, I thought of Lucas Abela: the flagbearer of Australia’s noise community, and properly recognised through this world and others for his work in playing and breaking glass while abusing its sonic capabilities through a variety of processes over his decades’ 12” + CD of sound exploration.
‘Squirrels On Fire’ is glass allowed to stress, moan and creak as Lucas’ modular synth setup takes its whimpers and amplifies them into exaggerated electronics gestures. The tape was intended to inject some funds into Lucas’ 2023 USA tour which unfortunately was cancelled/downsized. Nonetheless these tapes exist in an edition of 50 copies with two different cover prints, although I have very few available. Mastered by Grant Richardson, packaged in drawstring bags with artwork from Lucas’ son and shards of the glass table which instigated this release to begin with.
