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Friday, April 29, 2011

Masami Akita!! Mats Gustafsson!! Jim O’Rourke!! - One Bird Two Bird (Editions Mego, 2011) ****

By Stef

Anyone interested in a wild listening experience? Check this one out. Masami Akita (Merzbow), Mats Gustafsson and Jim O'Rourke (ex-Sonic Youth) create the most monotonous brainsmashing deafening endless scream you've ever heard, lasting for fourty minutes, split in two pieces (side A and side B) of this limited edition sold out album.

Luckily for us, it's also available on iTunes.

The scream is Gustafsson on tenor blowing hard but single-toned, over a backdrop of noise, electronics, feedback and endless screeching. If you hear music while having a nightmare, this would be it.

The interesting thing is that all other music played after this album sounds mellow and bland by comparison, so you reach back for it, because it is so uncompromising and intense.

And in truth, I've had my share of young musicians who think they need to show some attitude by going totally over the top of conventions, yet this is different. You can hear the difference in the approach, you will be impressed by Gustafsson's incredible emotional power, you will love the subtle changes and the interplay with repeated listens. At times the tension subsides a little, as on the end of the first track, but with the second track it's again as if you've been dropped headfirst into a maelstrom of endless sonic agony.

Not for the faint of heart!

... and it is addictive.


Listen and buy from iTunes.

Buy from Instantjazz.

© stef

4 comments:

Guy said...

stef, where were you yesterday night? you could've told mats that in person! ;)

Stef said...

I know, I know and I am very sad ... I wish I had several bodies.

stef

joesh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
joesh said...

Or you get a second chance in Maasmechelen at the end of May.

http://www.ccmaasmechelen.be/site/#/activiteit/?id=36

Liked the review, LOL!