Music Reviews

Sun City Girls – “” – [Majora]

Thurston Hunger   2/3/1997   7-inch, A Library

The mandala mandate continues. It may have started out as a crash hash course, but at this point one assumes the Girl’s devotion pure. “Borungku Si Derita” is one of them thar A-minory ballads which, despite achingly anthemic vocals, tastes like Middle-Eastern Meatloaf to me. “Abydos” however is a fine Hindu-Flamenco Locomotive Surf instro and “Carousel Tapsel” spins a Ferris prayer wheel of vocals chasing guitar melody chasing percussion slaps of the acoustic melody. Hello Dalai Lama.

Thurston Hunger

Part, Arvo – “Litany ” – [Ecm Records]

Thurston Hunger   10/23/1996   A Library, CD

Technically black is not a color, but the absence thereof. Similarly, silence is not a sound, but its absence. And yet silence is critical to Arvo Part’s sonic palette. Aural afterimages echo as quiet caverns of drone. Dissonant tension stretches taught across gaps between notes.

Arvo Part is dynamics. Stark yet strangely serene solitude. Quiet majesty. Ethereality. “Litany” is an epic offering, English lyrics transcribed from prayer are felt rather than heard, thanks to the Hilliard Ensemble’s “volume pedal” grace. “Psalom” is a latticework of breaths on strings. “Trisagion” is the sound of a high priest walking at midnight among the dead upon a battlefield in a religious war. Faith and doubt commune. Music for epiphany.

Thurston Hunger 10/23 1996

Tinklers, the – “U.F.O.’s” – [Frownland Recording]

Thurston Hunger   6/18/1996   7-inch, A Library

A concept 7″ exploring the vast reaches of sci-fi B Movies – mixing
levitation and levity with just enough fi, detuned guitar and detoxed
vox. “Comrade Cosmonaut” parallels the former Soviet Union with a
former red giant star flamed out into a flickering white dwarf. “Bad Aliens”
takes an eastern scale and sketches worst possible scenarios for
close encounters. “Galactic Living Family” is like the anthem for an
inter-species, outer-space equivalent of the Indian Guides. Complete
with too many words stuffed into the hilarious couplets…and ocarina too!

The truth ain’t out there, it’s right here.

Gate – “Metric ” – [Majora]

Daryl Licht   5/4/1994   12-inch, A Library

This latest LP from Gate (the solo/side project of Dead C. guitarist, Michael Morley) is a reissue of a 1991 cassette only release on Morley’s own Precious Metal label. The sound here is similar to the Dead C. (in fact, ‘Hope? and ‘Constellations? were later recorded by the Dead C.), although these tracks have a noticeably more ‘normal? song structure. Each side begins with a quietier, somber track which is followed by two tracks of dense Dead C. distorto-disintegration. The final track on each side is short. ‘Evidence? is a spliced tape sampler and ‘Forced Sight? is an excellent track with thick feedback over a droning organ. A great record: possibly my favorite by the Dead C. or any of its members. Play! DL

Note – This is an archival review. This CD was originally added to KFJC’s library in 1994. It is a long-running tradition at KFJC for DJs to add their own comments to these ‘official? reviews. As a matter of historical context and plain ol? ‘purient interest?, these comments (mis-spellings and all!) are provided below.

An impressive demonstration of quality and quantity – Gram White

It’s in the numbers – Dominic Trix

Sun City Girls – “Kaliflower ” – [Abduction]

Daryl Licht   12/22/1993   A Library, CD

Another blast from the prolific Sun City Girls. Most of the tracks exhibit their trademark
eastern influences with lots of chanting, an emphasis on percussion, and twisted,
psychotic instrumental workouts. A couple of the tracks, however, have an almost
‘normal? pop/rock sound. Yes, this is probably their most accessible release to date, but
it is still great. Hopefully, those of you who’ve been scared by their previous releases
will now give some airtime to one of the most innovative artists going. One of the best
releases of the year. Play! DL

Note – This is an archival review. This CD was originally added to KFJC’s library in 1993.
It is a long-running tradition at KFJC for DJs to add their own comments to these ‘official?
reviews. As a matter of historical context and plain ol? ‘purient interest?, these comments
(mis-spellings and all!) are provided below.

Fukin’ Grate Record – Angus Grim

This is definitely more accessible than their previous material that I have heard. Tracks, 1, 2, and 7 are pretty cool. – Slade Grantham