Webb, Michelle – “Screams From the Ceiling ” – [Self Released]

2002 release of solo home recordings by this local (at that time) sound artist. Her influences include Throbbing Gristle, Merzbow, and Glenn Branca, if that gives you any idea what you’re up against here. In her arsenal: prepared electric guitar with effects, laptop, turntable, beatbox, bass guitar, electronic gizmos, steel poles, processed vocals? Expect warped beats, hiss echo and fuzz, dense soundscapes, and occasional pure audio terror. Tracks 3 and 4 are built on quiet, almost soothing guitar chord strums, the former combining that with twittering synthtones. Track 9 is bassy, percussive, and almost catchy. Track 10 reminds me of Maria Moran’s cut-up project Zipper Spy. The pieces are interesting and well put together, with many incongruous elements that somehow fit in. Your noisy adventure awaits.