Please send news items for inclusion to tony.dickie@btopenworld.com
Items for review: Compulsion, PO Box 19577, Kilbarchan, Johnstone, PA10 2WX, Scotland, UK
A Challenge of Honour / Der Feuerkreiner - Iberia 2007
You wouldn't suspect from their contribution to this split disc but A Challenge of Honour often get labelled dark ambient or martial symphonic. Their opening track here 'Free The Mountain People' features thunderous percussion, bells, pipes and mountain singing. It's a statement against the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The hand percussion on 'Arabian Tradition' hammers out eastern rhythms overlaid with passages of melodic orchestral synth work. There's a definite cinematic quality to these tracks, that's carried over onto 'Le Fort De Souville' remixed and rearranged from their Verdun 1916 album, released under their alter ego Un Défi d'Honneur. The emphasis here is on strident symphonic sounds with powerful snare and rolling drum rhythms. The final track 'Water On The Otherside' despite using a broader range of sounds doesn't capture the images so clearly presented on their other contributions, with it being a fairly indistinct piece of melodic synth work. Whether these tracks have been picked to showcase a different side to Peter Savelkoul's project I don't know but this displays a much more mature soundtrack based style than the previous material I have heard from A Challenge of Honour.
The three tracks from the Italian group Der Feuerkreiner veer from the martial-symphonic sounds of 'Dioniso' to two tracks of harsh industrialised noise recorded in Bologna and at the Triumvirat Festival. 'Dionso' is fairly typical of the genre with military rhythms and orchestral bombast, and bubbling electronics. On 'Moderne Landschaft' the martial rhythms and distorted vocals of Valentina are submerged in looped noise and electronic shrieks. It's conversely disciplined and chaotic, when compared to the rapid fire percussion and looped noise of 'Nein!' with it's spat out lyrics of 'Nein!'. Once again, it's all quite different to the Der Feuerkreiner I've heard before.
Encased in a DVD sized slimcase in a numbered edition of 250 it'll obviously appeal to the collectors of these bands, who may find something slightly different to what they expected. For more information go to www.dagaz-music.com
Acolytes Action Squad - Winkle Time
This is an odd one. Winkle Time with Acolytes Action Squad is a lo-fi exploratory work that traipses into improv, experimental, noise and folk in the course of its 11 tracks. There is a certain playfulness to it, and it appears to hinge around 4 loosely crafted songs, with varying degrees of effectiveness. 'Music For Perspex' features a melange of female and male voices delivering a list of psychological / physical ailments and afflictions in a stilted, almost archaic, nursery sing along. It's mildly perplexing but nothing compared to the woeful 'Against Old Masters' which goes from screechy tones and simple flute melodies to an idiotic nursery rhyme type of thing with a theme about orphans and murder. An almost retarded delivery makes this one excruciating. Where that fails, however, 'Letters to the Master' is quite wondrous. A quietly comforting forlorn female voice sings a ballad, almost a cappella except for the faint hum of environmental sounds. It's eventually soaked up by a percussive jazzy piece. That's the thing here, Acolytes Action Squad keep going off at tangents from the plucked string of the opener, the short hip-hop interlude and the smattering of tones, drones and tape splurge that comprise 'Winkle Time Itself'. Later on the Sheffield duo, The Essence and Ditchus, team up with Turkees for some primitive acoustic tunes merged with chirping birds and the sounds of all sorts of zoo animals. Things get back on an even keel on the experimental balladry of 'Vasos and Uuvas - The Legend of Black Canvas' before bowing out with flute melodies and buzzing lo-fi electronic noise. For all its component parts, it all hangs together quite well, and even if it does possess a peculiar charm and innocence it really is difficult to pin down. If it helps both members of Acolytes Action Squad were once part of Hot Snack, and The Essence currently plays with Broken Blackbird Ensemble. An odd one for sure, released in an edition of 350 copies in hand-made sleeves with colour insert. For more information go to www.earlywinterrecordings.co.uk or www.acolytesactionsquad.co.uk
C.C.C.C. - Chaos Is The Cosmos
What with this release and the Early Works 4CD boxset on No Fun Productions there's been quite a bit of renewed activity around C.C.C.C, the Japanoise group comprising Mayuko Hino, Hiroshi Hasegawa (Astro, South Saturn Delta), Fumio Kosakai (Hijokaidan, Incapacitants), Ryuichi Nagakubo who were active during the nineties when the first wave of Japanese noise acts began garnering attention overseas. In terms of noise C.C.C.C. avoid the register extremes; there's no high-end or low-end frequencies. Instead C.C.C.C. opt for elongated blasts of subtle layered noise. It's a forceful sound that gushes with intensity, the convoluted electronics throwing up a mass of noise. It may be surprising but compared to earlier releases such as Loud Sounds Dopa and Flash (a 1996 Cold Spring release) this one features guitar squall with formless clouds of noise being cajoled from the instrument. It certainly adds another dimension to the torrent of noise being whipped up. The other surprising thing here is porn actress Mayuko Hino's performance. At one point in the first quarter of this performance, recorded in Tokyo in the mid-nineties, she unleashes a series of tortured screams and anguished cries, returning later on with some spoken poetry, as the instruments drop out leaving only electronic hum and machine like throttle to shroud her readings. Don't worry though, as it quickly returns to whirring and gliding sheets of noise and hits some wonderful screechiness and wind-tunnel like dynamics. Aside from the 5-minute or so sojourn into poetry, once again, C.C.C.C. offer an unrelenting slice of captivating atmo-noise. Chaos Is The Cosmos never attains the unrelenting corrosive textures of Flash but it's best not to resist and just let the saturated noise wash over you. It's a timely reminder on just how good they were. For more information go to www.coldspring.co.uk
Futon - Painkiller
With Tim Simenon producing, Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson supplying visuals, Chicks on Speed remixing, Bangkok's Futon seem destined to be huge. Despite appearances on MTV, and appearances at various prime festivals in Asia, Futon, the multi-cultural sleazoid electro-punk-rockers, that count Suede's Simon Gilbert and Bee of Into A Circle as members, remain something of a well kept-secret here in the UK. Even the excited chatter of pop svengali Simon Napier-Bell in an Observer supplement hasn't turned the kids onto Futon.
Which is a great pity as Painkiller is bursting with hyper blasts of indie-rock, fuelled by glam riffs, punk sensibilities, electro touches amidst a highly sexed atmosphere. Futon now count former Suede drummer Simon Gilbert and Japanese bassist Oh, alongside Bee (of Into A Circle / Getting the Fear fame) and the tattooed Thai frontman Gene. Painkiller is littered with allusions to sex and violence, love and hate. It's a world of cold shoulders, stilted relationships and one night stands. "When I look at you I seen Nothing, Nothing, Nothing" Gene, wryly sings on the rousing chorus of 'End of You'. There's no messing about on 'Motorbike': "Roll the dice, the triggers pulled, pay the price, the animals culled". 'U Mean Nothing 2 Me' - an evil Prince title, if ever there was one - is especially good, a mass of sprawling guitars and rampant drumming with the appropriately detached tones of Bee. It's the first of two tracks reworked from the thrilling electro beats of their debut Never Mind The Botox. The other, 'Morning After Pill', is cold electronics and quavering tones, mixed by fellow Thai resident and former Coil member Peter Christopherson, warmed by the smooth, smouldering voice of Gene. This dip into electronics is the exception to the rule, as Painkiller revolves around cool, taut basslines and soaring and ringing trashy guitars, like the forceful punch of 'Strap It On' and 'Motorbike'. 'Sheila Tequila', meanwhile, comes on like Bowie, Suede and even Adam Ant circa Vive Le Rock. The melodic stomp of 'Love So Strong', re-recorded from its appearance on Love Bites, is a love song for the late Geff Rushton of Coil. The entire thing sounds like day-glo punk rock, capturing the energy of seventies punk dashed with elements of club culture. The beats and rhythms really take precedence on the extra tracks with mixes from Chicks on Speed, Punx Soundcheck, Goldfish and The Fantastic IQ of David Gunn.
Where do they fit? Who knows, maybe they don't but they're as glamorous as hell, with a knowing attitude drawn from their varied musical backgrounds and the clubs of Bangkok. On Painkiller they return as a far raunchier and rockier outfit to the multi-cultural clubbers that rode in on the back of electroclash. One thing that remains though is their ability to thrill, and, after the lacklustre Love Bites, Painkiller is thoroughly exciting. For more information go to www.xfuton.com or www.here.co.th
IANVA - L'Occidente
Once again the Italian formation return, this time with a formidable new EP, L'Occidente. Ianva seek inspiration from Italian culture, particularly of decadent and romantic persuasion, in a musical project they have termed: Archeofuturistic. It's a fitting description, as the group comprising members of cult Italian outfits such as Malombra, Helden Rune, an ex-member of Wagooba, members of black metal groups, together with some classically trained musicians, delve into past musics giving it a contemporary setting.
Their last album Disobbedisco! was a musical concept album; a tale of impossible love set against the Conquest of Fiume, where the Italian war poet Gabriele d'Annunzio and his Arditi conquered the port of Fiume declaring it a Free Republic. L'Occidente doesn't boast such a heady concept, as such, but the four tracks draw upon soundtracks, Morricone soundtracks, ballads and post-war songs. It's a bold statement, and, one that doesn't tread water in the neo-folk scene. Ianva are far more ambitious. The opening track 'L'Occidente' is a stirring composition boasting spirited trumpet playing, and sumptuous accordion playing. It's strong Italian flavour more than apparent. A strong call to arms, which at times, recalls a more Morricone slanted take on Scott Walker's 'Scott 4' in terms of composition. Equally passionate is 'Santa Luce Dei Macelli' with music drenched in accordion and sweeping strings and with the voice of Stefania T. D'alterio it is pure post-war cabaret. It captures their "archeofuturistic" appellation perfectly, whilst paying homage to some specific Italian rituals of the Catholic church whose devotional feasts still incorporate elements of its pagan past. The instrumental piece 'Il Sereno E La Tempesta' is a beautiful piece of finely plucked guitar, strings and flute. The final track is a special Italian reading of 'The Battle', a track written by The Strawbs. It's acoustic interplay, and martial drumming share a slight affinity with the neo-folk scene but here it's augmented by accordion, a lush trumpet score and cinematic harmonies. In a clever twist, Ianva also link it to their past release, Disobbedisco!, capturing an event involving one of the key protagonists in that release.
Strangely enough, even though the entire thing is sung in Italian and immersed in Italian culture, it's so easy to put this on repeat and lose yourself in the ballads of these Italian accented songs. For more information go to www.illevriero.it or www.audioglobe.it
Rose McDowall, Naevus and Sonver - Music Box 2008
It's been quite some time since we heard from Rose McDowall. With Sorrow now defunct and Spell on a length hiatus this is probably the most recent material to surface from Rose, since her contribution to the split CD with John Contreras and Nurse With Wound. These two tracks clearly show that we've been missing the distinctive Scottish tones that sweetened the sounds of Death In June and Current 93, and made her a pop-star in the eighties with polka dotted Strawberry Switchblade. On 'Our Twisted Love' her bittersweet, lilting tones hover over gentle harmonium backing and slight orchestral touches, that swells with rudimentary beats towards a Velvet's type close. 'This Calling', meanwhile, is a fine take of her melancholic output, her voice spoken and sung in that warm Glaswegian brogue and beautiful honeyed melodies over acoustic guitar aided by a small string ensemble. Heartache has never sounded so sweet.
Naevus never fail to disappoint. Their two contributions are confined to the nucleus of Lloyd James and Joanne Owen with a pastoral acoustic reading of Pink Floyd's 'Green Is The Colour' and a fresh airing of 'Frozen!', which originally appeared on their 2001 album, Soil. With the acoustic guitar augmented by accordion and other sound devices it allows space to linger over the lyrics that Lloyd delivers in his comfortingly precise manner. They really are out on their own now. Heaven knows why I never got round to picking up their last full album, Silent Life.
SonVer, who I have never heard before, dip into that post-rock ambience. Their two tracks here are unhurried, content to let the tension build slowly before letting the guitars really burst through, as they do on the studio track 'AD'. Think Mogwai, Labradford and Godspeed and you're not too wide of the mark. Their other track 'Eyeman Praying' is much more ambient featuring a subtle interplay of eastern styled guitar with haunting cello over electronic hum. Enticing stuff but way too brief.
Like the A Challenge of Honour / Der Feuerkreiner release this is encased in a DVD sized slimcase in a numbered edition of 250 copies to commemorate a live performance in Lisbon. It's well worth your time, so don't wait too long. For more information go to www.dagaz-music.com
Various Artists - The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy: A Tribute to David E. Williams
It's a damn shame that David E. Williams isn't more popular than he already is, though titling tracks (and these are just a handful from this tribute) 'Seizure Dream Believer', 'Severed Hand Holding Daisies', 'Stillborn', and 'Sarah's Booted Boy' may be too much for the lily-livered listener. Thankfully the assorted groups and individuals that feature on The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy don't flinch from the works of David E. Williams. And why should they?
Since the arrival of the Pseudo Erotica EP way back in 1988 David E. Williams has crafted perverse and twisted lyrics delivered in his trademark creaking mordant tones over pleasing and intricate arrangements centred around his considerable skill on the piano and keyboards. And that's undoubtedly what makes this tribute CD worthwhile. The many and varied contributors, drawn from the folk and noise underground, are forced to take his arrangements into their own styles. Okay, some such as Rome, Dogs Hate Monet, Spiritual Front and Division S come over remarkably close to the Williams originals but others stray into their own territory. Naevus with Rose McDowall offer a rich folk setting of 'Restraining Order / Fish Heads and Olives', with Rose, once again, looking "for a good man to murder me". Lloyd James, the Naevus singer, provides a deft acoustic rendition of 'Little Sap and Varicose'. Naevus are adept at reworking Williams's songs having previously recorded 'Less Than Queer' and enlisting Williams as guest keyboardist on previous albums. You gotta hear Changes, the folk duo who are more accustomed to singing heroic and apocalyptic ballads, bragging about their sexual conquests on 'Got Too Many Women'. Ernte reappear with a gentle reading of 'I Have Forgotten How To Love You', a German language version of the title track of the Williams album they released on their Cthulhu label. Both The Linbergh Baby and Myoclonic Jerks transform Williams songs into prime slices of Americana. 'Gentleman Farmer Slips Away' from The Linbergh Baby is a rich dark acoustic strum with a croaking drawl, reminiscent of Michael Gira, while the primitive Americana of Myoclonic Jerks is just right for the religious imagery and peculiar take on the conception of Christ on 'Severed Hand Holding Daisies'. Williams longtime collaborator Jerome Deppe strikes out on his own with an impressive take on 'Taxidermy Tragedy', his strong vocal nestling over 12-string guitar and trumpet score. Thomas Nöla et son Orchestre adds his surreal twilight touch to 'Sandra Lindsey'. Second Amendment go all symphonic martial on the dubious 'Wotan Rains on a Plutocrat Parade' with the booming voice of English folk singer Andrew King.
The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy is let down somewhat by the number of OEC acts, many of whom's contributions are ill-fitting, and, at times, like some sort of cabaret. Circus Joy and David Taleno offer quite rudimentary folk takes and some of the noisier and electronic based tracks don't compare favourably with Williams originals. But there are plenty of other good moments. The laconic drawl of John Murphy amidst electronic shimmers and drones on the Shining Vril take on 'Sandra Lindsay' is solid enough, and Foresta di Ferro offer a hilarious take on 'I'm in Love with the Ambulance Driver' with its accordion lead melody and city-square busker vocal. I can even find time for the thrash-pop of Womb and Ethel Mermaid, who, in a genius move, transform 'I Was a Fool in Love' into a sixties girl group sound, kinda like The Shirelles scoring a John Waters soundtrack. Other contributing acts include Love Axis, Testing Vault, Aesthetic Meat Front, Bleiburg, Teatro Satanico, Angel of Decay.
The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy succeeds in overcoming my aversion to the tribute CD, often a cheap marketing ploy by the label, and with the preponderance of OEC related acts (hell, even Rodolfo Protti the OEC label boss is on here with Lark Blames) this does, at times, fall into that category. It does however remains a fitting tribute to David E. Williams. I should point out that David E. Williams guests here in tribute to himself with a semi-orchestral version of 'Bad Day Anyway'. David E. Williams, like myself, has recently suffered personal strife but purchasing this isn't a charitable act. I would suggest it's mandatory and as Williams himself commented in an interview with the Lazarus Corporation "Some versions are so superior to the originals that they simultaneously fill me with pride as a songwriter and humility as a performer".
The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy features 38 interpretations of the work of David E. Williams split over 2 discs titled Pop and Folk and Contra Pop and Folk, in gatefold digipak with a stunning portrait of Mr Williams that seems to remind me of someone. For more information go to www.davidewilliams.com or www.oldeuropacafe.com
Death In June return this month with a new album, The Rule of Thirds. Thirteen tracks that capture the true essence of Death In June. The Rule of Thirds is released on CD in an embossed gatefold Softpak with a 16 page booklet. In addition it is available as a double 10-inch LP with embossed gatefold sleeve in an edition of 1500, and a double 10-inch picture disc in an edition of 500. Both vinyl editions include a large double-sided foldout poster. Let The Blackbirds Kiss You And May The Rule Of Thirds Dictate Your Life. The Rule of Thirds is released on NER/NERUS, in association with Soleilmoon. For more information go to www.soleilmoon.com or www.deathinjune.net
Stocks are running low on the 20th Anniversary edition of Brown Book from Death In June. Digitally remastered and specially presented in a hand carved 'Totenkopf 6' oval stone box containing a CD of the original album and an extra 14 track CD with 7 alternative versions from the original album, plus other remixes/recordings from the period and since. Also included, are 4 exclusive sew-on Death In June/Runic cloth patches, plus oval information sheets and photos. Death In June fantics wont want to miss out on this seminal release. For more information go to www.soleilmoon.com or www.deathinjune.net
Current 93, and Baby Dee, perform live at the South Bank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 21 April 2008. Marc Almond and Antony will feature amongst the guests appearing with Current 93. Tickets on sale now. The line-up for the David Tibet curated day at the Roadburn festival is as follows: Æthenor, Baby Dee, Current 93, Skitliv and Rickie Lee Jones. The day long event takes place on Sunday April 20 in Tilburg, the Netherlands. For more information onthe Roadburn festival go to www.roadburn.com
Current 93 have also announced the following live dates:
April 9 - Energy of Sound, Wroclaw, Poland with Rickie Lee Jones April 11 - Ikra, Moscow, Russia with Rickie Lee Jones April 12 - Ikra, Moscow, Russia with Baby Dee April 13 - Volksbühne, Berlin, Germany with Rickie Lee Jones April 14 - Volksbühne, Berlin, Germany with Skitliv April 17 - Le Printemps de Bourges, Bourges, France with Baby Dee and Rickie Lee Jones
The second night of the shows in Moscow and Berlin will feature Current 93 performing material from their early albums Nature Unveiled and Dogs Blood Rising. The aforementioned albums have just been reissued by Durtro Jnana, with their original tracklist featuring colour photographs from the period. The first 1000 copies of the albums come with a bonus CD of Andrew Liles' radical and beautiful remixes of each album. For more information go to www.durtro.com
In April Durtro will be releasing the CD EP Gabriel and the Lunatic Lover from Marc Almond with Michael Cashmore, setting two poems by Count Stenbock to music. The CD is presented in a full colour digipak with colour paintings of Marc on the cover, a full colour booklet with the text to both poems. In the meantime an unreleased instrumental track by Michael Cashmore features in the group exhibition "Don't You Dare Look At Me" curated by Norbert Witzgall at the Nice and Fit Gallery, Berlin Mitte. The exhibition runs from February 22 to March 29.
So much news for Tony Wakeford and his related projects. First up the Sol Invictus reissues: The Killing Tide, Wakeford's treatise on murder, is reissued by the Portuguese label Extremocidente. The CD features extra tracks and a new interpretation of one track. A limited vinyl version is also available. In The Rain has been re-released by Infinite Fog Productions/Eternal Pride Productions, in an edition of 300 copies. The CD also contains a live version of 'Stay'. Further reissues of Trees In Winter, King and Queen and Lex Talionis are scheduled soon.
Grey Force Wakeford, the new project featuring Tony Wakeford, Nick Grey and Kris Force, have their debut CD out now on Athanor. Wakeford's neo-classical project Orchestra Noir have recorded an album scheduled for release on Extremocidente. A 7-inch single, inspired by the TV series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, titled 'The Theme From Affordable Homes' is out now.
Tony Wakeford has a solo CD, Non Omnis Moriar: Not All Of Me Will Die, scheduled for release on the Israeli label The Eastern Front. Non Omnis Moriar: Not All Of Me Will Die additionally features contributions from members of Orchestra Noir, Zunroyz and Sol Invictus. And, his own label, Tursa are releasing a download only compilation of acts related to Tursa later in the year. An interview with Tony Wakeford and Reeve Malka of Tursa can be found at the Tursa My Space site. For more information go to www.myspace.com/tursa
Soisong is the name of the new group featuring Peter Christopherson formerly of Coil and Ivan Pavlov aka COH. SoiSong debut on March 9 at Bar Bonobo, Tokyo, with further dates at the Sugar Factory, Amsterdam - 24 May, Club Ikra, Moscow - 28 May. Sleazy's blog states "the two-man show will combine Ivan's uncompromisingly-visceral computer based music with Sleazy's decadent, dark and whimsical approach to artificial vocals and 'South Seas' instrumentation..." Two tracks are available in exclusive mixes at their My Space site. Soisong's first EP, Soi-Jin-No-Hi, will be available for free download from www.thresholdhouse.com this month, and in a Collector's Specially Packaged edition, available at Soisong shows. For more information go to www.myspace.com/soisong
Soon to be released on Cold Spring are Amfetamin from Skitliv and Gods & Devils from Seelenlicht. Amfetamin is the latest release from the doom / noise project of Maniac (ex-Mayhem), featuring Kvarforth (Shining), and with special guest vocals by Attila (SUNN O))), Mayhem). The CD version includes bonus tracks from Skitliv's live performance at the Camden Underworld, London, with a special intro from Current 93. Seelenlicht is the new musical project of Troy Southgate (H.E.R.R.) and Butow Maler (Kammer Sieben) and Gods & Devils features gothic murder ballads, electronic, folk and neoclassical elements. For more information go to www.coldspring.co.uk
A Cold Spring event featuring live performances from Merzbow, Sutcliffe Jügend and Satori takes place at ULU, Malet Street, London on April 19. For more information go to www.coldspring.co.uk/merzbowULU.php
Discriminate Audio have announced details of the first release from Boyd Rice and Giddle Partridge scheduled for release in Spring /Summer. The heart shaped 7-inch EP features the tracks 'Contact', 'Sunset Strip SS', 'Rocket USA', 'Bubble Gum New Forever', 'Going Steady With Peggy Moffitt', 'Bonnie & Clyde' on pink vinyl in an edition of 1,000 signed and numbered copies. Pre-orders are being accepted now. A full length album Love/Love-Bang/Bang is scheduled for later in the year. For more information go to www.discriminateaudio.com
Vagina Dentata Organ return with a new CD. Music For The Blind is released on the WSNS label. To order send 20E to Jordi Valis, P.O. Box 34.066, 08080 Barcelona, Spain, Europe or email hashashin@hotmail.com
IANVA are reissuing their formidable debut album, Disobbedisco!, as a special edition, with an additional two tracks, including a live cover of Brel's 'Amsterdam', from the long sold out mCD La Ballata Dell'Ardito. This edition of Disobbedisco! will be a jewel case edition with a 20 page booklet. Don't miss it, if you'd didn't get it first time round. For more information go to www.illevriero.it
Klanggalerie have just reissued Tissue of Lies the first album from Nocturnal Emissions. This edition marks the first ever appearance of the debut album on CD, mastered by Nigel Ayers from a vinyl copy. Tissue of Lies was recorded by the original trio of Nigel Ayers, Danny Ayers and Caroline K. debuting with a collection tracks ranging from noisy soundscapes to post-punk songs. Tissue of Lies is released in an edition of 400 copies, with original artwork.
Nocturnal Emissions also appear on the soon to be released Cadaverous Condition album Destroying The Night Sky. Using the songs of Cadaverous Condition as source material the following artists - Nurse With Wound, Thighpaulsandra, Controlled Bleeding, Andrew Liles, Colin Potter, Product 8, Gjoll, Asmus Tietchens, Holy McGrail and Ali Helnwein - created something new. Bleak and esoteric, doom and drone, black and extreme, yet also freaked out and beautiful. Evil music for people walking the crooked path. Destroying The Night Sky is scheduled for release in March/April. For more information go to www.klanggalerie.com
Zoviet France have a new limited release out now. Shteirlel features two tracks on 8-inch transparent square polycarbonate record hand cut by Peter King at King Worldwide. Shteirlel is released in an edition of 150 numbered copies and is described as two slices of bleak hovering tension that will leave you simultaneously confused and delighted. For more information go to www.altvinyl.com
Out now on The Eastern Front is ...Where Tattered Clouds Are Stranding": Tribute to Einar Jonsson, a double CD set dedicated to the Icelandic sculptor and painter. Part I - Grief features the neo-folk/martial outfits Belborn, Storm Of Capricorn, Westwind, Rukkanor, H.E.R.R./Von Thronstahl, Horologium, Weihan, Cold Fusion, Larrnakh, Zebaoth, Agnivolok, Kammer Sieben, Aeldaborn and Cawatana. Part II - Birth Of Psyche features dark ambient/industrial/esoteric music from Rose Rovine E Amanti, Wach, Objekt4, Hoarfrost, Gandolfs Gedanken, Shining Vril, Echo West, Gregorio Bardini, Artefactum, Kadaver, Bisclaveret, Sitra Ahra and Simulacra. All contributions are exclusive. ...Where Tattered Clouds Are Stranding": Tribute to Einar Jonsson is released in a 4-panel folded packaging in a numbered edition of 1000 copies. For more information go to www.theeasternfront.org
In Ruin have just issued their first proper release, A Ghost to be Forgotten, containing 11 tracks of dark and melodic neo-folk, and the voice of Terry Collia. A Ghost to be Forgotten features guest appearances by Kim Larsen (OTWATM), Henryk Vogel (Darkwood), Isaac Aubrey (The Arid Sea), and a collaboration with the Swedish group Catonium. A Ghost to be Forgotten is released in digipak on Heidenvolk through Tesco Distribtion. For more information go to www.heidenvolk.de
In The Nursery premiere their new soundtrack to The Passion of Joan of Arc as part of Sheffield's Sensoria Festival. In The Nursery, featuring twin brothers Klive and Nigel Humberstone, utilise state of the art music technology with a unique symphonic style, to produce a hauntingly evocative soundtrack to Carl Theodore Dreyer's 1928 movie The Passion of Joan of Arc, considered one of the best silent films ever made. The event takes place on 16 April at Sheffield Cathedral. For more information go to www.sensoria.org.uk
After a slight delay Whitehouse will be reissuing their Total Sex album, the third in their series of vinyl reissues. This edition includes extra tracks taken form the United Dairies compilation Hoisting the Black Flag. Total Sex is released as a double album on heavyweight vinyl. Whitehouse undertake a short jaunt around in the UK in April. The dates are as follows:
5 April - Slimelight, London(with Ramleh, Dissention)
11 April - TBC, Liverpool
12 April - TBC, Edinburgh
14 April - The Tunnels, Aberdeen
16 April - Thekla, Bristol
19 April - Jabez Clegg, Manchester
For more information go to www.susanlawly.freeuk.com
Old Europa Cafe continue with a heavy release schedule for March/April. Horologium release Earthbound, their third album, this time, aided by Troy Southgate (HERR), Maria Southgate, Merissa D'Arlette and Eustacia Vye on vocals, with lyrical fragments from Nietzsche, Spengler and Hesse. Naevus have their debut album, Truffles of Love, reissued in newly re-mastered form, with significant sonic improvement on the original 1999 release. Also included are six bonus tracks providing a rounded picture of the early development of Naevus. Truffles of Love is issued in digipak with 16 tracks and an essay on the early years of the band. Nazi UFO Commander release their second and final transmission under the title Radiant Entropie. Necrophorous have their Drifting in Motion CD reissued, remixed and expanded. Necrophorous is another musical project of Peter Andersson, best known for his work as Raison D'Etre. The cult Swedish electronic project Njurmännen release Terror in the Dollhouse containing tracks from their Reality Adventures LP, various compilation appearances and a 7-inch release plus one previously unreleased track. Nordvargr / Drakh / Klier collaborate on The Less You Know, the Better, regarded by the label as an absolute masterpiece of dark and elegant ambient electronica. Finally, Rome Amor issue their eponymous debut release of romantic Italian folk-cabaret, featuring a cover of Brel's 'Next'.
OEC in collaboration with Energy Zone present The 1st Folk-Alert! to be held on April 19 at Club Siddharta, Prato, Florence. Appearing live will be Yggdrasill, Albireon, Naevus, Rome. For more information go to www.oldeuropacafe.com
Sick Head Tapes presents Skullflower, Family Underground, Michael Flower and Nackt Insecten at the CCA, Glasgow on 8 March. For more information go to www.cca-glasgow.com
Cold Fusion and Rukkanor appear on the split release, Silk Road, connecting past with present, East and West, classical oriental melodies with modern arrangements. Silk Road is released on Rage In Eden records in an edition of 500 handnumbered copies. For more information go to www.rageineden.org
Wire make a welcome return to the live arena. In the upcoming months they will be performing at some European festivals in the summer with North American dates scheduled for the autumn. Confirmed dates so far are: April 29 - Stuk, Leuven, Belgium; May 01 - 4AD, Diksmuide, Belgium; May 07 - Nuits Sonores Festival, Lyon, France. A new album is planned for later in the year. For more information go to www.posteverything.com/news/
Allerseelen play a trio of shows in Russia. On February 29 they will be in Moscow, March 1 - St Petersburg and March 2 - Ryazan. For more information go to www.myspace.com/allerseelen
Items for review: Compulsion, PO Box 19577, Kilbarchan, Johnstone, PA10 2WX, Scotland, UK
A Challenge of Honour / Der Feuerkreiner - Iberia 2007
You wouldn't suspect from their contribution to this split disc but A Challenge of Honour often get labelled dark ambient or martial symphonic. Their opening track here 'Free The Mountain People' features thunderous percussion, bells, pipes and mountain singing. It's a statement against the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The hand percussion on 'Arabian Tradition' hammers out eastern rhythms overlaid with passages of melodic orchestral synth work. There's a definite cinematic quality to these tracks, that's carried over onto 'Le Fort De Souville' remixed and rearranged from their Verdun 1916 album, released under their alter ego Un Défi d'Honneur. The emphasis here is on strident symphonic sounds with powerful snare and rolling drum rhythms. The final track 'Water On The Otherside' despite using a broader range of sounds doesn't capture the images so clearly presented on their other contributions, with it being a fairly indistinct piece of melodic synth work. Whether these tracks have been picked to showcase a different side to Peter Savelkoul's project I don't know but this displays a much more mature soundtrack based style than the previous material I have heard from A Challenge of Honour.
The three tracks from the Italian group Der Feuerkreiner veer from the martial-symphonic sounds of 'Dioniso' to two tracks of harsh industrialised noise recorded in Bologna and at the Triumvirat Festival. 'Dionso' is fairly typical of the genre with military rhythms and orchestral bombast, and bubbling electronics. On 'Moderne Landschaft' the martial rhythms and distorted vocals of Valentina are submerged in looped noise and electronic shrieks. It's conversely disciplined and chaotic, when compared to the rapid fire percussion and looped noise of 'Nein!' with it's spat out lyrics of 'Nein!'. Once again, it's all quite different to the Der Feuerkreiner I've heard before.
Encased in a DVD sized slimcase in a numbered edition of 250 it'll obviously appeal to the collectors of these bands, who may find something slightly different to what they expected. For more information go to www.dagaz-music.com
Acolytes Action Squad - Winkle Time
This is an odd one. Winkle Time with Acolytes Action Squad is a lo-fi exploratory work that traipses into improv, experimental, noise and folk in the course of its 11 tracks. There is a certain playfulness to it, and it appears to hinge around 4 loosely crafted songs, with varying degrees of effectiveness. 'Music For Perspex' features a melange of female and male voices delivering a list of psychological / physical ailments and afflictions in a stilted, almost archaic, nursery sing along. It's mildly perplexing but nothing compared to the woeful 'Against Old Masters' which goes from screechy tones and simple flute melodies to an idiotic nursery rhyme type of thing with a theme about orphans and murder. An almost retarded delivery makes this one excruciating. Where that fails, however, 'Letters to the Master' is quite wondrous. A quietly comforting forlorn female voice sings a ballad, almost a cappella except for the faint hum of environmental sounds. It's eventually soaked up by a percussive jazzy piece. That's the thing here, Acolytes Action Squad keep going off at tangents from the plucked string of the opener, the short hip-hop interlude and the smattering of tones, drones and tape splurge that comprise 'Winkle Time Itself'. Later on the Sheffield duo, The Essence and Ditchus, team up with Turkees for some primitive acoustic tunes merged with chirping birds and the sounds of all sorts of zoo animals. Things get back on an even keel on the experimental balladry of 'Vasos and Uuvas - The Legend of Black Canvas' before bowing out with flute melodies and buzzing lo-fi electronic noise. For all its component parts, it all hangs together quite well, and even if it does possess a peculiar charm and innocence it really is difficult to pin down. If it helps both members of Acolytes Action Squad were once part of Hot Snack, and The Essence currently plays with Broken Blackbird Ensemble. An odd one for sure, released in an edition of 350 copies in hand-made sleeves with colour insert. For more information go to www.earlywinterrecordings.co.uk or www.acolytesactionsquad.co.uk
C.C.C.C. - Chaos Is The Cosmos
What with this release and the Early Works 4CD boxset on No Fun Productions there's been quite a bit of renewed activity around C.C.C.C, the Japanoise group comprising Mayuko Hino, Hiroshi Hasegawa (Astro, South Saturn Delta), Fumio Kosakai (Hijokaidan, Incapacitants), Ryuichi Nagakubo who were active during the nineties when the first wave of Japanese noise acts began garnering attention overseas. In terms of noise C.C.C.C. avoid the register extremes; there's no high-end or low-end frequencies. Instead C.C.C.C. opt for elongated blasts of subtle layered noise. It's a forceful sound that gushes with intensity, the convoluted electronics throwing up a mass of noise. It may be surprising but compared to earlier releases such as Loud Sounds Dopa and Flash (a 1996 Cold Spring release) this one features guitar squall with formless clouds of noise being cajoled from the instrument. It certainly adds another dimension to the torrent of noise being whipped up. The other surprising thing here is porn actress Mayuko Hino's performance. At one point in the first quarter of this performance, recorded in Tokyo in the mid-nineties, she unleashes a series of tortured screams and anguished cries, returning later on with some spoken poetry, as the instruments drop out leaving only electronic hum and machine like throttle to shroud her readings. Don't worry though, as it quickly returns to whirring and gliding sheets of noise and hits some wonderful screechiness and wind-tunnel like dynamics. Aside from the 5-minute or so sojourn into poetry, once again, C.C.C.C. offer an unrelenting slice of captivating atmo-noise. Chaos Is The Cosmos never attains the unrelenting corrosive textures of Flash but it's best not to resist and just let the saturated noise wash over you. It's a timely reminder on just how good they were. For more information go to www.coldspring.co.uk
Futon - Painkiller
With Tim Simenon producing, Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson supplying visuals, Chicks on Speed remixing, Bangkok's Futon seem destined to be huge. Despite appearances on MTV, and appearances at various prime festivals in Asia, Futon, the multi-cultural sleazoid electro-punk-rockers, that count Suede's Simon Gilbert and Bee of Into A Circle as members, remain something of a well kept-secret here in the UK. Even the excited chatter of pop svengali Simon Napier-Bell in an Observer supplement hasn't turned the kids onto Futon.
Which is a great pity as Painkiller is bursting with hyper blasts of indie-rock, fuelled by glam riffs, punk sensibilities, electro touches amidst a highly sexed atmosphere. Futon now count former Suede drummer Simon Gilbert and Japanese bassist Oh, alongside Bee (of Into A Circle / Getting the Fear fame) and the tattooed Thai frontman Gene. Painkiller is littered with allusions to sex and violence, love and hate. It's a world of cold shoulders, stilted relationships and one night stands. "When I look at you I seen Nothing, Nothing, Nothing" Gene, wryly sings on the rousing chorus of 'End of You'. There's no messing about on 'Motorbike': "Roll the dice, the triggers pulled, pay the price, the animals culled". 'U Mean Nothing 2 Me' - an evil Prince title, if ever there was one - is especially good, a mass of sprawling guitars and rampant drumming with the appropriately detached tones of Bee. It's the first of two tracks reworked from the thrilling electro beats of their debut Never Mind The Botox. The other, 'Morning After Pill', is cold electronics and quavering tones, mixed by fellow Thai resident and former Coil member Peter Christopherson, warmed by the smooth, smouldering voice of Gene. This dip into electronics is the exception to the rule, as Painkiller revolves around cool, taut basslines and soaring and ringing trashy guitars, like the forceful punch of 'Strap It On' and 'Motorbike'. 'Sheila Tequila', meanwhile, comes on like Bowie, Suede and even Adam Ant circa Vive Le Rock. The melodic stomp of 'Love So Strong', re-recorded from its appearance on Love Bites, is a love song for the late Geff Rushton of Coil. The entire thing sounds like day-glo punk rock, capturing the energy of seventies punk dashed with elements of club culture. The beats and rhythms really take precedence on the extra tracks with mixes from Chicks on Speed, Punx Soundcheck, Goldfish and The Fantastic IQ of David Gunn.
Where do they fit? Who knows, maybe they don't but they're as glamorous as hell, with a knowing attitude drawn from their varied musical backgrounds and the clubs of Bangkok. On Painkiller they return as a far raunchier and rockier outfit to the multi-cultural clubbers that rode in on the back of electroclash. One thing that remains though is their ability to thrill, and, after the lacklustre Love Bites, Painkiller is thoroughly exciting. For more information go to www.xfuton.com or www.here.co.th
IANVA - L'Occidente
Once again the Italian formation return, this time with a formidable new EP, L'Occidente. Ianva seek inspiration from Italian culture, particularly of decadent and romantic persuasion, in a musical project they have termed: Archeofuturistic. It's a fitting description, as the group comprising members of cult Italian outfits such as Malombra, Helden Rune, an ex-member of Wagooba, members of black metal groups, together with some classically trained musicians, delve into past musics giving it a contemporary setting.
Their last album Disobbedisco! was a musical concept album; a tale of impossible love set against the Conquest of Fiume, where the Italian war poet Gabriele d'Annunzio and his Arditi conquered the port of Fiume declaring it a Free Republic. L'Occidente doesn't boast such a heady concept, as such, but the four tracks draw upon soundtracks, Morricone soundtracks, ballads and post-war songs. It's a bold statement, and, one that doesn't tread water in the neo-folk scene. Ianva are far more ambitious. The opening track 'L'Occidente' is a stirring composition boasting spirited trumpet playing, and sumptuous accordion playing. It's strong Italian flavour more than apparent. A strong call to arms, which at times, recalls a more Morricone slanted take on Scott Walker's 'Scott 4' in terms of composition. Equally passionate is 'Santa Luce Dei Macelli' with music drenched in accordion and sweeping strings and with the voice of Stefania T. D'alterio it is pure post-war cabaret. It captures their "archeofuturistic" appellation perfectly, whilst paying homage to some specific Italian rituals of the Catholic church whose devotional feasts still incorporate elements of its pagan past. The instrumental piece 'Il Sereno E La Tempesta' is a beautiful piece of finely plucked guitar, strings and flute. The final track is a special Italian reading of 'The Battle', a track written by The Strawbs. It's acoustic interplay, and martial drumming share a slight affinity with the neo-folk scene but here it's augmented by accordion, a lush trumpet score and cinematic harmonies. In a clever twist, Ianva also link it to their past release, Disobbedisco!, capturing an event involving one of the key protagonists in that release.
Strangely enough, even though the entire thing is sung in Italian and immersed in Italian culture, it's so easy to put this on repeat and lose yourself in the ballads of these Italian accented songs. For more information go to www.illevriero.it or www.audioglobe.it
Rose McDowall, Naevus and Sonver - Music Box 2008
It's been quite some time since we heard from Rose McDowall. With Sorrow now defunct and Spell on a length hiatus this is probably the most recent material to surface from Rose, since her contribution to the split CD with John Contreras and Nurse With Wound. These two tracks clearly show that we've been missing the distinctive Scottish tones that sweetened the sounds of Death In June and Current 93, and made her a pop-star in the eighties with polka dotted Strawberry Switchblade. On 'Our Twisted Love' her bittersweet, lilting tones hover over gentle harmonium backing and slight orchestral touches, that swells with rudimentary beats towards a Velvet's type close. 'This Calling', meanwhile, is a fine take of her melancholic output, her voice spoken and sung in that warm Glaswegian brogue and beautiful honeyed melodies over acoustic guitar aided by a small string ensemble. Heartache has never sounded so sweet.
Naevus never fail to disappoint. Their two contributions are confined to the nucleus of Lloyd James and Joanne Owen with a pastoral acoustic reading of Pink Floyd's 'Green Is The Colour' and a fresh airing of 'Frozen!', which originally appeared on their 2001 album, Soil. With the acoustic guitar augmented by accordion and other sound devices it allows space to linger over the lyrics that Lloyd delivers in his comfortingly precise manner. They really are out on their own now. Heaven knows why I never got round to picking up their last full album, Silent Life.
SonVer, who I have never heard before, dip into that post-rock ambience. Their two tracks here are unhurried, content to let the tension build slowly before letting the guitars really burst through, as they do on the studio track 'AD'. Think Mogwai, Labradford and Godspeed and you're not too wide of the mark. Their other track 'Eyeman Praying' is much more ambient featuring a subtle interplay of eastern styled guitar with haunting cello over electronic hum. Enticing stuff but way too brief.
Like the A Challenge of Honour / Der Feuerkreiner release this is encased in a DVD sized slimcase in a numbered edition of 250 copies to commemorate a live performance in Lisbon. It's well worth your time, so don't wait too long. For more information go to www.dagaz-music.com
Various Artists - The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy: A Tribute to David E. Williams
It's a damn shame that David E. Williams isn't more popular than he already is, though titling tracks (and these are just a handful from this tribute) 'Seizure Dream Believer', 'Severed Hand Holding Daisies', 'Stillborn', and 'Sarah's Booted Boy' may be too much for the lily-livered listener. Thankfully the assorted groups and individuals that feature on The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy don't flinch from the works of David E. Williams. And why should they?
Since the arrival of the Pseudo Erotica EP way back in 1988 David E. Williams has crafted perverse and twisted lyrics delivered in his trademark creaking mordant tones over pleasing and intricate arrangements centred around his considerable skill on the piano and keyboards. And that's undoubtedly what makes this tribute CD worthwhile. The many and varied contributors, drawn from the folk and noise underground, are forced to take his arrangements into their own styles. Okay, some such as Rome, Dogs Hate Monet, Spiritual Front and Division S come over remarkably close to the Williams originals but others stray into their own territory. Naevus with Rose McDowall offer a rich folk setting of 'Restraining Order / Fish Heads and Olives', with Rose, once again, looking "for a good man to murder me". Lloyd James, the Naevus singer, provides a deft acoustic rendition of 'Little Sap and Varicose'. Naevus are adept at reworking Williams's songs having previously recorded 'Less Than Queer' and enlisting Williams as guest keyboardist on previous albums. You gotta hear Changes, the folk duo who are more accustomed to singing heroic and apocalyptic ballads, bragging about their sexual conquests on 'Got Too Many Women'. Ernte reappear with a gentle reading of 'I Have Forgotten How To Love You', a German language version of the title track of the Williams album they released on their Cthulhu label. Both The Linbergh Baby and Myoclonic Jerks transform Williams songs into prime slices of Americana. 'Gentleman Farmer Slips Away' from The Linbergh Baby is a rich dark acoustic strum with a croaking drawl, reminiscent of Michael Gira, while the primitive Americana of Myoclonic Jerks is just right for the religious imagery and peculiar take on the conception of Christ on 'Severed Hand Holding Daisies'. Williams longtime collaborator Jerome Deppe strikes out on his own with an impressive take on 'Taxidermy Tragedy', his strong vocal nestling over 12-string guitar and trumpet score. Thomas Nöla et son Orchestre adds his surreal twilight touch to 'Sandra Lindsey'. Second Amendment go all symphonic martial on the dubious 'Wotan Rains on a Plutocrat Parade' with the booming voice of English folk singer Andrew King.
The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy is let down somewhat by the number of OEC acts, many of whom's contributions are ill-fitting, and, at times, like some sort of cabaret. Circus Joy and David Taleno offer quite rudimentary folk takes and some of the noisier and electronic based tracks don't compare favourably with Williams originals. But there are plenty of other good moments. The laconic drawl of John Murphy amidst electronic shimmers and drones on the Shining Vril take on 'Sandra Lindsay' is solid enough, and Foresta di Ferro offer a hilarious take on 'I'm in Love with the Ambulance Driver' with its accordion lead melody and city-square busker vocal. I can even find time for the thrash-pop of Womb and Ethel Mermaid, who, in a genius move, transform 'I Was a Fool in Love' into a sixties girl group sound, kinda like The Shirelles scoring a John Waters soundtrack. Other contributing acts include Love Axis, Testing Vault, Aesthetic Meat Front, Bleiburg, Teatro Satanico, Angel of Decay.
The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy succeeds in overcoming my aversion to the tribute CD, often a cheap marketing ploy by the label, and with the preponderance of OEC related acts (hell, even Rodolfo Protti the OEC label boss is on here with Lark Blames) this does, at times, fall into that category. It does however remains a fitting tribute to David E. Williams. I should point out that David E. Williams guests here in tribute to himself with a semi-orchestral version of 'Bad Day Anyway'. David E. Williams, like myself, has recently suffered personal strife but purchasing this isn't a charitable act. I would suggest it's mandatory and as Williams himself commented in an interview with the Lazarus Corporation "Some versions are so superior to the originals that they simultaneously fill me with pride as a songwriter and humility as a performer".
The Appeal of Discarded Orthodoxy features 38 interpretations of the work of David E. Williams split over 2 discs titled Pop and Folk and Contra Pop and Folk, in gatefold digipak with a stunning portrait of Mr Williams that seems to remind me of someone. For more information go to www.davidewilliams.com or www.oldeuropacafe.com
Death In June return this month with a new album, The Rule of Thirds. Thirteen tracks that capture the true essence of Death In June. The Rule of Thirds is released on CD in an embossed gatefold Softpak with a 16 page booklet. In addition it is available as a double 10-inch LP with embossed gatefold sleeve in an edition of 1500, and a double 10-inch picture disc in an edition of 500. Both vinyl editions include a large double-sided foldout poster. Let The Blackbirds Kiss You And May The Rule Of Thirds Dictate Your Life. The Rule of Thirds is released on NER/NERUS, in association with Soleilmoon. For more information go to www.soleilmoon.com or www.deathinjune.net
Stocks are running low on the 20th Anniversary edition of Brown Book from Death In June. Digitally remastered and specially presented in a hand carved 'Totenkopf 6' oval stone box containing a CD of the original album and an extra 14 track CD with 7 alternative versions from the original album, plus other remixes/recordings from the period and since. Also included, are 4 exclusive sew-on Death In June/Runic cloth patches, plus oval information sheets and photos. Death In June fantics wont want to miss out on this seminal release. For more information go to www.soleilmoon.com or www.deathinjune.net
Current 93, and Baby Dee, perform live at the South Bank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 21 April 2008. Marc Almond and Antony will feature amongst the guests appearing with Current 93. Tickets on sale now. The line-up for the David Tibet curated day at the Roadburn festival is as follows: Æthenor, Baby Dee, Current 93, Skitliv and Rickie Lee Jones. The day long event takes place on Sunday April 20 in Tilburg, the Netherlands. For more information onthe Roadburn festival go to www.roadburn.com
Current 93 have also announced the following live dates:
April 9 - Energy of Sound, Wroclaw, Poland with Rickie Lee Jones April 11 - Ikra, Moscow, Russia with Rickie Lee Jones April 12 - Ikra, Moscow, Russia with Baby Dee April 13 - Volksbühne, Berlin, Germany with Rickie Lee Jones April 14 - Volksbühne, Berlin, Germany with Skitliv April 17 - Le Printemps de Bourges, Bourges, France with Baby Dee and Rickie Lee Jones
The second night of the shows in Moscow and Berlin will feature Current 93 performing material from their early albums Nature Unveiled and Dogs Blood Rising. The aforementioned albums have just been reissued by Durtro Jnana, with their original tracklist featuring colour photographs from the period. The first 1000 copies of the albums come with a bonus CD of Andrew Liles' radical and beautiful remixes of each album. For more information go to www.durtro.com
In April Durtro will be releasing the CD EP Gabriel and the Lunatic Lover from Marc Almond with Michael Cashmore, setting two poems by Count Stenbock to music. The CD is presented in a full colour digipak with colour paintings of Marc on the cover, a full colour booklet with the text to both poems. In the meantime an unreleased instrumental track by Michael Cashmore features in the group exhibition "Don't You Dare Look At Me" curated by Norbert Witzgall at the Nice and Fit Gallery, Berlin Mitte. The exhibition runs from February 22 to March 29.
So much news for Tony Wakeford and his related projects. First up the Sol Invictus reissues: The Killing Tide, Wakeford's treatise on murder, is reissued by the Portuguese label Extremocidente. The CD features extra tracks and a new interpretation of one track. A limited vinyl version is also available. In The Rain has been re-released by Infinite Fog Productions/Eternal Pride Productions, in an edition of 300 copies. The CD also contains a live version of 'Stay'. Further reissues of Trees In Winter, King and Queen and Lex Talionis are scheduled soon.
Grey Force Wakeford, the new project featuring Tony Wakeford, Nick Grey and Kris Force, have their debut CD out now on Athanor. Wakeford's neo-classical project Orchestra Noir have recorded an album scheduled for release on Extremocidente. A 7-inch single, inspired by the TV series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, titled 'The Theme From Affordable Homes' is out now.
Tony Wakeford has a solo CD, Non Omnis Moriar: Not All Of Me Will Die, scheduled for release on the Israeli label The Eastern Front. Non Omnis Moriar: Not All Of Me Will Die additionally features contributions from members of Orchestra Noir, Zunroyz and Sol Invictus. And, his own label, Tursa are releasing a download only compilation of acts related to Tursa later in the year. An interview with Tony Wakeford and Reeve Malka of Tursa can be found at the Tursa My Space site. For more information go to www.myspace.com/tursa
Soisong is the name of the new group featuring Peter Christopherson formerly of Coil and Ivan Pavlov aka COH. SoiSong debut on March 9 at Bar Bonobo, Tokyo, with further dates at the Sugar Factory, Amsterdam - 24 May, Club Ikra, Moscow - 28 May. Sleazy's blog states "the two-man show will combine Ivan's uncompromisingly-visceral computer based music with Sleazy's decadent, dark and whimsical approach to artificial vocals and 'South Seas' instrumentation..." Two tracks are available in exclusive mixes at their My Space site. Soisong's first EP, Soi-Jin-No-Hi, will be available for free download from www.thresholdhouse.com this month, and in a Collector's Specially Packaged edition, available at Soisong shows. For more information go to www.myspace.com/soisong
Soon to be released on Cold Spring are Amfetamin from Skitliv and Gods & Devils from Seelenlicht. Amfetamin is the latest release from the doom / noise project of Maniac (ex-Mayhem), featuring Kvarforth (Shining), and with special guest vocals by Attila (SUNN O))), Mayhem). The CD version includes bonus tracks from Skitliv's live performance at the Camden Underworld, London, with a special intro from Current 93. Seelenlicht is the new musical project of Troy Southgate (H.E.R.R.) and Butow Maler (Kammer Sieben) and Gods & Devils features gothic murder ballads, electronic, folk and neoclassical elements. For more information go to www.coldspring.co.uk
A Cold Spring event featuring live performances from Merzbow, Sutcliffe Jügend and Satori takes place at ULU, Malet Street, London on April 19. For more information go to www.coldspring.co.uk/merzbowULU.php
Discriminate Audio have announced details of the first release from Boyd Rice and Giddle Partridge scheduled for release in Spring /Summer. The heart shaped 7-inch EP features the tracks 'Contact', 'Sunset Strip SS', 'Rocket USA', 'Bubble Gum New Forever', 'Going Steady With Peggy Moffitt', 'Bonnie & Clyde' on pink vinyl in an edition of 1,000 signed and numbered copies. Pre-orders are being accepted now. A full length album Love/Love-Bang/Bang is scheduled for later in the year. For more information go to www.discriminateaudio.com
Vagina Dentata Organ return with a new CD. Music For The Blind is released on the WSNS label. To order send 20E to Jordi Valis, P.O. Box 34.066, 08080 Barcelona, Spain, Europe or email hashashin@hotmail.com
IANVA are reissuing their formidable debut album, Disobbedisco!, as a special edition, with an additional two tracks, including a live cover of Brel's 'Amsterdam', from the long sold out mCD La Ballata Dell'Ardito. This edition of Disobbedisco! will be a jewel case edition with a 20 page booklet. Don't miss it, if you'd didn't get it first time round. For more information go to www.illevriero.it
Klanggalerie have just reissued Tissue of Lies the first album from Nocturnal Emissions. This edition marks the first ever appearance of the debut album on CD, mastered by Nigel Ayers from a vinyl copy. Tissue of Lies was recorded by the original trio of Nigel Ayers, Danny Ayers and Caroline K. debuting with a collection tracks ranging from noisy soundscapes to post-punk songs. Tissue of Lies is released in an edition of 400 copies, with original artwork.
Nocturnal Emissions also appear on the soon to be released Cadaverous Condition album Destroying The Night Sky. Using the songs of Cadaverous Condition as source material the following artists - Nurse With Wound, Thighpaulsandra, Controlled Bleeding, Andrew Liles, Colin Potter, Product 8, Gjoll, Asmus Tietchens, Holy McGrail and Ali Helnwein - created something new. Bleak and esoteric, doom and drone, black and extreme, yet also freaked out and beautiful. Evil music for people walking the crooked path. Destroying The Night Sky is scheduled for release in March/April. For more information go to www.klanggalerie.com
Zoviet France have a new limited release out now. Shteirlel features two tracks on 8-inch transparent square polycarbonate record hand cut by Peter King at King Worldwide. Shteirlel is released in an edition of 150 numbered copies and is described as two slices of bleak hovering tension that will leave you simultaneously confused and delighted. For more information go to www.altvinyl.com
Out now on The Eastern Front is ...Where Tattered Clouds Are Stranding": Tribute to Einar Jonsson, a double CD set dedicated to the Icelandic sculptor and painter. Part I - Grief features the neo-folk/martial outfits Belborn, Storm Of Capricorn, Westwind, Rukkanor, H.E.R.R./Von Thronstahl, Horologium, Weihan, Cold Fusion, Larrnakh, Zebaoth, Agnivolok, Kammer Sieben, Aeldaborn and Cawatana. Part II - Birth Of Psyche features dark ambient/industrial/esoteric music from Rose Rovine E Amanti, Wach, Objekt4, Hoarfrost, Gandolfs Gedanken, Shining Vril, Echo West, Gregorio Bardini, Artefactum, Kadaver, Bisclaveret, Sitra Ahra and Simulacra. All contributions are exclusive. ...Where Tattered Clouds Are Stranding": Tribute to Einar Jonsson is released in a 4-panel folded packaging in a numbered edition of 1000 copies. For more information go to www.theeasternfront.org
In Ruin have just issued their first proper release, A Ghost to be Forgotten, containing 11 tracks of dark and melodic neo-folk, and the voice of Terry Collia. A Ghost to be Forgotten features guest appearances by Kim Larsen (OTWATM), Henryk Vogel (Darkwood), Isaac Aubrey (The Arid Sea), and a collaboration with the Swedish group Catonium. A Ghost to be Forgotten is released in digipak on Heidenvolk through Tesco Distribtion. For more information go to www.heidenvolk.de
In The Nursery premiere their new soundtrack to The Passion of Joan of Arc as part of Sheffield's Sensoria Festival. In The Nursery, featuring twin brothers Klive and Nigel Humberstone, utilise state of the art music technology with a unique symphonic style, to produce a hauntingly evocative soundtrack to Carl Theodore Dreyer's 1928 movie The Passion of Joan of Arc, considered one of the best silent films ever made. The event takes place on 16 April at Sheffield Cathedral. For more information go to www.sensoria.org.uk
After a slight delay Whitehouse will be reissuing their Total Sex album, the third in their series of vinyl reissues. This edition includes extra tracks taken form the United Dairies compilation Hoisting the Black Flag. Total Sex is released as a double album on heavyweight vinyl. Whitehouse undertake a short jaunt around in the UK in April. The dates are as follows:
5 April - Slimelight, London(with Ramleh, Dissention)
11 April - TBC, Liverpool
12 April - TBC, Edinburgh
14 April - The Tunnels, Aberdeen
16 April - Thekla, Bristol
19 April - Jabez Clegg, Manchester
For more information go to www.susanlawly.freeuk.com
Old Europa Cafe continue with a heavy release schedule for March/April. Horologium release Earthbound, their third album, this time, aided by Troy Southgate (HERR), Maria Southgate, Merissa D'Arlette and Eustacia Vye on vocals, with lyrical fragments from Nietzsche, Spengler and Hesse. Naevus have their debut album, Truffles of Love, reissued in newly re-mastered form, with significant sonic improvement on the original 1999 release. Also included are six bonus tracks providing a rounded picture of the early development of Naevus. Truffles of Love is issued in digipak with 16 tracks and an essay on the early years of the band. Nazi UFO Commander release their second and final transmission under the title Radiant Entropie. Necrophorous have their Drifting in Motion CD reissued, remixed and expanded. Necrophorous is another musical project of Peter Andersson, best known for his work as Raison D'Etre. The cult Swedish electronic project Njurmännen release Terror in the Dollhouse containing tracks from their Reality Adventures LP, various compilation appearances and a 7-inch release plus one previously unreleased track. Nordvargr / Drakh / Klier collaborate on The Less You Know, the Better, regarded by the label as an absolute masterpiece of dark and elegant ambient electronica. Finally, Rome Amor issue their eponymous debut release of romantic Italian folk-cabaret, featuring a cover of Brel's 'Next'.
OEC in collaboration with Energy Zone present The 1st Folk-Alert! to be held on April 19 at Club Siddharta, Prato, Florence. Appearing live will be Yggdrasill, Albireon, Naevus, Rome. For more information go to www.oldeuropacafe.com
Sick Head Tapes presents Skullflower, Family Underground, Michael Flower and Nackt Insecten at the CCA, Glasgow on 8 March. For more information go to www.cca-glasgow.com
Cold Fusion and Rukkanor appear on the split release, Silk Road, connecting past with present, East and West, classical oriental melodies with modern arrangements. Silk Road is released on Rage In Eden records in an edition of 500 handnumbered copies. For more information go to www.rageineden.org
Wire make a welcome return to the live arena. In the upcoming months they will be performing at some European festivals in the summer with North American dates scheduled for the autumn. Confirmed dates so far are: April 29 - Stuk, Leuven, Belgium; May 01 - 4AD, Diksmuide, Belgium; May 07 - Nuits Sonores Festival, Lyon, France. A new album is planned for later in the year. For more information go to www.posteverything.com/news/
Allerseelen play a trio of shows in Russia. On February 29 they will be in Moscow, March 1 - St Petersburg and March 2 - Ryazan. For more information go to www.myspace.com/allerseelen