Prurient we all
know, of
course, so there isn't much sense in reiterating
Dominick Fernow's history, although Stillbirth is a new
project for me - turns out it's the solo outlet of Luke Moldof,
who also runs the Razors and Medicine label. This split features
brief recordings by both acts, and comes skilfully packaged in a
attractively minimal, limited edition sleeve.
Stillbirth's track
is a haunting portrait of doom and gloom - a chilling, dark miasma
is established, over which abrasive noise spells and facsimile
church bells are hoisted. It's ominous stuff that toys with noise
but doesn't revel in harshness - perfectly suited to noise-o-philes
or just those obsessed with atmosphere in music. Meanwhile, Fernow's
brief composition deviates from the blistering abrasion I'm
accustomed to from him - granted, I haven't heard much of his work
over the last year or so - and instead revels in a strange whirlpool
of demonic speaking, pained moaning, repeated synths, and what sounds like
a metal chain being pulled off its spool. The lyrics themselves are
sardonic and damning, when intelligible. Though fleeting, this split is a
splendid affair, even if it's a tad understated.
