Music Reviews

Black Leather Jesus – “Bride of The Lamb” – [Deadline Recordings]

whngr 6/23/2022 A Library, Cassette

Sado-evangelic Noise Wall

Two perverse sides, two heretical slabs. Play in reverse and the holy ghost might cum on your stigmata. Play front to back to induce immaculate abortion… either one will put another nail in the cross of listener alienation.

BLJ is one Richard Ramirez. Impossibly prolific noise producer with irons in more fires than anyone else, including the avantgarde fashion industry. Initially from Texas, indefatigably active since 1989, and now residing in the Philadelphia area with his husband and collaborator (Same guy. His name is Sean).

A re-release from 2019 but made originally in 1994.

Coral Club – “Turn To” – [Not Not Fun Records]

Thurston Hunger 6/21/2022 A Library, Cassette

Alexander Sirenko’s sophomore NNF release as Coral Club. Aquatic washes of sound, seabird samples. Floatational drone, waves of synth. From the color trio, “Red” had a light Terry Riley flair to start, more keys and even drum machines get stacked on top. “Turn To Blue” evolves into the most tense of the tracks. “Spectrum” with little ticker-tocker techno trills dives back into the aquatic. When percussion shows up on the cassette, it’s pretty non-intrusive and this is largely all about a warm chill and drift.
-Thurston Hunger

No Artist – “101 Notes on Jazz” – [Suite 309]

mickeyslim 6/8/2022 A Library, Cassette

This CD is a brilliantly concocted and collection of 60, that’s right, SIXTY mic breaks from a (sadly) fictional jazz radio station from the mixed-up mind of Tim Thorton. While these improvised tracks range from about 20 seconds to 80 seconds, any of these would fit seamlessly between practically any two tracks you wish since their absurdity falls perfectly in line with KFJC’s. It was impossible to listen all the through only because I had to pause it due to my uncontrollable fits of laughter. Here are a few of my favorite lines from these tracks…

“Trust me on this one, there’s nothing softer than the tip of a dolphin’s nose, but I guess that depends on where he nudges you…”

“It’s opposite Day here at the station, it’s actually not, and we’re not going to be playing your favorite bossa nova hits…”

“Broadcasting live from Reggae Fest! They put me in the tank! And they, uh, just dunk me when they get the answers wrong, it’s filled with reggae, uh, trivia, and I actually got to touch a steel drum so…”

“We have a shoe that was left behind at the hot dog roast, it’s a men’s size 7 and a half tap shoe, the color is not important, but I would like to get this shoe out of the studio as quickly as possible…”

“I went to an art’s gallery this past weekend, and let me just say, I didn’t realize that poetry could be an art, uh, and I still don’t realize it because you can’t just describe a bunch of flowers out loud and expect people to take you seriously…”

“Welcome back to ‘Jazz Music To Meet Your Wife To,’ and I did meet my wife to this song, that’s why I play it at the top of every hour…”

and much, much, much, much, much more.

There is no reason not to play this.

Solo Se Oye Punk #4 [coll] – [Silenzio Statico]

beastofbourbon 6/1/2022 A Library, Cassette

This cassette released in 2013 by Los Angeles based Latino punk label Silenzio Statico put together this international compilation featuring some of the best and obscure bands from Finland to Brazil to Japan and anywhere in between. Mostly compiled from hard to find records from the 80s the music spans various genres including Anarcho-punk, Crust, Oi!, and melodic hardcore. The music is fast, aggressive and catchy but not abrasive or very long. There are only a few songs in English but song titles and some of the lyrical content that can be understood suggest it’s anti-war, anti-nuke, anti-totalitarian, anti-conformity and general human angst. The types of issues that are still relevant today.

Beast of Bourbon

Soyuz Bear “MMXV” [Zanjeer Zani Productions]

atavist 4/19/2022 A Library, Cassette

This limited edition cassette from 2015 captures a crusty slab of French doom from a project that has since disbanded. Side A has three more polished studio tracks, and side B has three rehearsal tracks engineered by the band. Side A checks the boxes for the bongrip soundtrack though the riffs aren’t super original. Side B, being a rehearsal, captures a little air and space and basically squashes the vocals in the mix. And though I usually don’t advocate for the live stuff, track 5 “GHB Uber Alles” might be the most vital track on the release. Where the studio stuff walks the path, the rehearsals capture a band imbibing and going for it, and it works in their favor. This is followed by the closer “In the Abyss”, with some groove-laden riffs to get stoned heads nodding in unison. Possible FCC in track 1; in this genre it can be hard to make them out, but steer this one into safe harbor.

Nihil Communication – “Live: The Lab In San Francisco 12 Nov 2011” – [Danvers State Recordings]

Max Level 4/17/2022 A Library, Cassette

One 22-minute track of atmospheric sound-noise-scape. For this live 2011 performance, Andre Custodio’s solo project Nihil Communication expanded into a quartet lineup including members of other projects such as Conure, Sutekh Hexen, and Neurosis. I hear laptops, microphones, and instruments such as flute and guitar in the mix. The dynamics vary from medium quiet to medium noisy. Nothing harsh or scary, though—just intriguing caverns of sound created by people who know how to do this stuff.

Preachers That Lie – “Discography” – [Legion Productions]

beastofbourbon 2/21/2022 A Library, Cassette

Preachers That Lie (PTL) formed in 1986 in San Jose, Ca at the end of the Bay Area “Skate Rock” era and beginning of “Crossover”. By the late 80s PTL was playing all over the Bay Area, including Gilman Street Project in Berkeley, CA, alongside Neurosis, Jawbreaker, NOFX, No Use For a Name, and Green Day. They recorded a demo tape, 7” EP and were featured on several compilations.

Their brand of hardcore punk dealt with abortion, right wing Christians, conformity, Gilman Street elitism, beer and sex with a satrical sick sense of humor. This may have led to their getting banned from Gilman. PTL broke up in 1995 in the middle of a West Coast tour. The members went on to form other bands including Apeface, The Flames, Angry For Life, Whiskey Sunday, and Boar Hunter.

This cassette is a re-release of the “Last Call” CD from 2010 (Vinehall Records) that coincided with a reunion tour of Northern California and several shows in Hawaii opening for Dead Kennedys, Misfits, and TSOL. It includes songs from compilations and 1993 7” EP. Hopefully a copy of the demo tape can be found someday.

Beast of Bourbon

My Cat Is an Alien – “Hypnotherapy” – [Lost Treasures of The Underworld]

cinder 2/9/2022 A Library, Cassette

A duo of Italian brothers Maurizio and Roberto Opalio, from the Torino area. Creating what kitty might be hearing in their head while staring at the wall, wide pupil’d at 3 in the morning. Spaced out strings, gurgling and churning electronics, pedal fx and whistful moaning put you into a stare-down daze. Side long tracks from a cassette, with side B (track 2) picking up right where the first left off.

Cardinal Wyrm “Devotionals” [Self Release]

atavist 2/2/2022 A Library, Cassette

Absolutely killer cassette from this Bay Area trio with heavy experience in other projects, particularly due to the presence of Leila Abdul-Rauf (this is the first CW release added to KFJC to feature her). Released deep into pandemic year one (Dec. 2020), it asks, “Do we have another battle left in us?” Doom-laced, soaked in driving riffs, and peppered with a few straight-up guitar solos. And yet this sound is very distinct and unlike other stuff I’ve been reviewing lately. Unconventional vocal stylings: mostly clean, eccentric passages from drummer Pranjal Tiwari, like a possessed town crier reading from an occult scroll cut with ghoulish whispers. Abdul-Rauf brings a guitarist’s perspective to her bass guitar work. The sound is agile as it plays off Nathan Verrill’s guitar. All the pieces really start to fit on tracks like “Imposter”—great intro, building structures, ideal lyric content for the vocal stylings, vocal contrast from with an ethereal Abdul-Rauf addition, but most satisfying to my ears is the range of sounds Abdul-Rauf generates from the bass. In “Canticle” Abdul-Rauf provides vocals reminiscent of her work in both Vastum and Saros, like a compilation album jammed into a song. I’m probably going to play this thing to death on my show.

Dear Laika – “Pluperfect Mind” – [Memorials of Distinction]

mickeyslim 11/29/2021 A Library, Cassette

Dear Laika is the phenomenal project of Izzy Thorn of the North Wessex Downs, who has been experimenting with pop music since 2016. Utilizing both digital and analog sounds via the Roland Juno 106, prepared piano, distorted field recordings, and tape-warped vocals, Thorn, at only 23-years-old, seems to have perfected the art of leftfield pop.

Every track on this album is quite striking, hitting themes of loss, anxiety, seclusion, self-identity and self-image, documenting parts of Thorn’s transgender experience. Washes of hypnotic mesmer, swaths of opulent murmurs, tones and drones, warped other-worldly vocals that speak directly to the depths of your ethos.

Absolutely stunning, one-of-a-kind, album. I am very excited to see where she goes next in her compelling musical journey, KFJC will be keeping their ears close.

Acid Twilight – "Acid Twilight" – [Not Not Fun Records]

cinder 8/18/2021 A Library, Cassette

Magical, hypnotic psychedelia rhythms from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They mix synthesizers, organs, and electric guitar among Andean rattles, bells, tarkas, and field recordings from Bolivia and Peru. The buzzy, whimsical sounds from the synthesizers give this a mystical desert feel. Ambient yet rhythmical, harmoniously futuristic, deep swamp jungle sci fi resonances. Very chill.

Scolex / Mortuous [coll] – [Carbonized]

whngr 8/11/2021 A Library, Cassette

Regional Death Riffage

Guttural bellows esophageal tatters. Note intensive single note soloing with pinch harmonics and trem-dives. Cartilage quivering, heart palpitating bass profanation. Thunderous and technical drumming spurs down to uptempo necrotic-horror veneration and aural devil worship.The prominent Mortuous is a San Jose four-piece that delivers a doom laden unholy lament. in a powerful and bespoken south-bay tradition. Scolex shovel out a similar sounding offering ‘cept they’re from Oakland and a two-piece with revolving cast of live members.

The sprawling list of Death Metal allies and affiliates from the Bay Area adds provenance to both of these wicked talents. Play the tape loud, bang your head, imagine a human head decay in time lapse, read Lovecraft, repeat.

Disrage – “Noise Rhythm” – [Craneal Fracture Records]

whngr 7/28/2021 A Library, Cassette

Low fidelity Hardcore from Spain 2015

Renou i ràbia desde Menorca.
Noise and rage from Menorca.

Furious attack (guitar,bass,drums,vox) without brakes.

A tirade of malice, though unintelligible, the message is clear:

Aim for the heart and pull the trigger.

Las Garras de la Otan = The Claws Of N.A.T.O.

Aphotykum – “Cimmerian Sessions, The” – [Legion Blotan]

whngr 7/28/2021 A Library, Cassette

Crusty Tinny and Tyrannical

2-piece Black Metal from the U.K./Switzerland 2017

Malevolent and sadistic, this deviant offender is a known associate of Legion Blotan. Blaring murky riffs while extolling the virtues of Cimmeria, the culture of a nomadic people in Asia-Minor ca. 1000 B.C. Stating their lyrical themes on Metallum as: Dark Ages, Barbarism, Pagan Heritage with evocative titles like “A Falcon’s Quest” and “Spirits of the Mounds” we are drawn into an ancient world filled with violence and war expressed with a phenomenal guitar tone and a dismal recording that is both visceral and disorienting. Listening at high volumes may lead to head wounds by disrupting the equilibrium, causing falls and leaving listeners concussed. Fitting, as the final track, “Stormriders of Death” (A8) features a sample of bombs being dropped from a plane, not barbarian activity but of a similar brutality perhaps. Not clever but still quite appealing to the ear of this miserable volunteer.

Abi Ooze – “Bad Egg” – [Aklasan Records]

whngr 7/28/2021 A Library, Cassette

Cynical and catchy Garage Power Dirge Pop Punk Rock from Philadelphia 2018Snotty, smart, and honest fem lyrics with a biting perspective on both social and personal subjects. Heart warming and heart breaking tones and delivery. Like falling in love the moment her spit hits your face. Vicious guitar tone with nasty hooks on a solid Pop foundation in front of a thunderous shimmering beat. Shake your ass to the rejection. Aileen Wuornos chimes in, spoiler alert, she’s pissed. Includes a few cameos by other contemporary monsters. Five cutting satires of the travesty that is our modern society. Hopeless and direct, “Bad Egg” is probably a reference to the genre and its rival , “Egg Punk” (twee, silly, major keys) and “Chain Punk” (aggressive/nihilistic/minor keys). One might suppose that this EP was titled as a kind of response to the divisive online debate (smh why can’t we all get along?! ;P) that raged(s?) by proponents from both camps. Flame wars, ghosting, and doxing may have occurred but who the fuck cares.? Not Abi Ooze. She just wants to fucking rock out! And perhaps flip the ugly razor-blade frittata of a cassette, greasy side down, on the pallets of people with ears that hear and brains that think. Are you one of ’em?
Abi Ooze is one Jade Baisa (all instruments)
There may be FCC’s on A1 (is that a Amber alert tone or just guitar feedback?) and A3 (I’m sure that she’s sayin’ “SUCKERS, SUCKERS!” not the other, far naughtier word. Roll the dice outside of safe harbor, pay the consequences I guess, but don’t play it all and you are the one who loses (your listeners being the unwary bystanders to your hapless mistake). Forbidden sounds removed (primarily) from this cassette and cd, conforming to on-air requirements in an effort to maintain friendly relations with the Federal Communication Commission. True completists will need to scour the internet as Sorry State is sold the fuck out and the release seems to have been pulled from Discogs which is… Punk af

Golden Hallway Music – "Rules & Chance Vol. 2" – [Not Not Fun Records]

cinder 7/28/2021 A Library, Cassette

Solo project of Zack Tornaben, who created this over the pandemic in his Manhattan apartment, using a 1968 electric combo organ and primitive drumbox, ran through a two-machine tape delay. It’s a harmonious cosmical journey through cotton candy clouds and iridescent dew kissed tulips. Very light, airy and relaxing rhythms. An ambient looped voyage. Shimmery, meditative, and summery.

Burial Wreaths – "Burial Wreaths" – [Threat Electronics]

cinder 7/28/2021 A Library, Cassette

Not a lot of information floating around on this project, but it’s a collective from Southern California. They’re calling themselves power electronics, and you do get some of that. It’s not blasting white noise and power drills though. It’s more experimental electronics and the weird sounds you can make playing around with your digital and analog toys. There’s repetitive beats, twisted knobs, echoed winds… industrial more than harsh. Each “track” is a new discovery. Intriguing group? Person? Robot?

Gronde – “Gronde” – [Impious Desecration Records]

whngr 7/21/2021 A Library, Cassette

Black Metal / Thrash from the foothills of the French Alps.

Thunderous thumpers and growly grumpers with riffs and two minutes of melancholy piano (end of track 13) for goat worshipping demi-ghouls.
Insular and isolated from the swelling popularity of Black Metal, Gronde’s inception was influenced by power and simplicity. Eager to be proficient while heavily inebriated, project founder Chamo unveils considerable details about the project online, that though illustrative, might sour the palate of more thoughtful or discerning volunteers (these guys may be a bit thick). I suggest avoiding all research/fanaticism and just lean into the bestial howls and ferocity of the form. Well recorded and sprawling, there are many slightly different flavors of blasphemy, heresy, synchronized buzzsaw guitar, and sonorous slaughter to spread liberally over your more diabolical sets while incurring the blessings of the Dark Gods.

Boëge, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France-2011

Crowhurst – “Everyone Is Guilty” – [Sol Y Nieve]

whngr 7/21/2021 A Library, Cassette

Debilitating electronic Dark Ambient Industrial Noise Drone with minimal Black Metal leanings in five parts.

Three tracks over 10 min. and two under 10 min. with some marked contrast existing between tracks that tend to straddle several genres but generally orbit around mild discomfort, disorientation, and despair, madness and misery.

Samples. Spoken-word. Sine wave serrations.

Washes of warm amplified feedback cum crumbling white noise, abstractions and other mildly belligerent aural elements. Crowhurst is one Jay Gambit of Boca Raton, Florida, who, along with myriad collaborators has put out over 40 physical releases since 2012. Establishing a following on digital file sharing platforms, Gambit seems interested in exploring multiple facets of sound production across several genres without the constraints of media or from labels and has worked with familiar (and many unfamiliar) labels like Prison Tatt, Chondritic Sound, Fusty Cunt, Prophecy Productions, and the one who released this limited edition (100) cassette in 2014, Sol Y Nieve.

Agonie – “Culte Funèbre” – [Solar Asceticists Productions]

whngr 7/21/2021 A Library, Cassette

Grieving Woe’s Misery

French-Canadian Black Metal.

Cold, grim, cvlt.

Somber, delicate guitar ballads (doubled reverb reverie) amid tortured wails. Buried trash-can drums, beastial expulsions. Heavily clipped amplified trem-picked horror, the plectrum pulled through entrails billowing steam into the frigid night. Deep guttural bellowing and shrieks of anguish slashing through sickening melodies with hooks.
Adapt to the damaged (defective?) tape (end side A-beginning side B, track 3 and 4 respectively) as the signal decays repeatedly. Perhaps this (used) tape was once repeatedly frozen in distant northern climes amid the towering snow-laden pines or maybe ’twas a cruel hoax meant to propagate the despair of fledgling dj’s (dig your heels in and own it, this is a miracle of magnetic tape (an analog aberration to be adulated). The meek, and the mealy-mouthed.

Final track is an menagerie of the animals most associated with evil and the night, encircling a demon as he curses (unintelligibly) the light of God and whatever traces of benevolence remain in the hearts of man.

Agonie is Nagash and K.

Quebec-2017