 Gang
Wizard / D. Yellow Swans
Self-titled split 3" CDR
Deathbomb
Arc / Collective
Jyrk / Tape
Mountain
Genres: experimental, experimental pop, performance
art
Deathbomb Arc
1067 E. Cypress Ave
Burbank, CA 91501 USA
May 3 - 9 2004 |
This cute little mini-CDR, courtesy of the Deathbomb Arc, Collective
Jyrk, and Tape Mountain labels, comes packaged in a little plastic
slip with a wooden tag and a neon green index card. It is a lo-fi,
experimental affair, recorded "live in the men's and women's
restrooms" of the Placebo in Arcata, CA. As can be somewhat
expected from a Gang Wizard release, this music, comprised of
two compositions (one by each band in either washroom), blends melodic
pop sensibility with lo-fi production values and experimental
performance art. Right from the first few minutes, it is clear that this disc is not
going to be a readily accessible affair. This is all about
performance - Gang Wizard uses lots of booming, bass-heavy
percussion, complex and unusual melody, and scratchy, howly
vocals. For example, a climactic portion of the first piece is made
powerful by disturbingly sorrowful, yelled vocals and a violent, fiery
explosion of instrumental chaos in the background. It could be
the disc's best moment. The second piece - courtesy of D.
Yellow Swans - is a bit sparser and perhaps even less
accessible. It's not the easiest listen, but as far as DIY
avant-garde material goes, it's at the top of the pile. Overall, this is a very rewarding release that
should be enjoyed by daring music lovers, though probably no one else.
83%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 2 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
