| As far as
the genre of rhythmic noise goes, I don’t think I’d exactly call
myself someone who knows everything about the pulsating and hard as all fuck
acts on labels such as Ant Zen and Hands. Sure, I do have a few bands whom I
listen to on a frequent basis that would fit into the category such as
Converter, Imminent, and Mlada Fronta, all of which are more popular names
within the genre, but if one were to ask me what my favourite track off a
Morgenstern album was for example, I’d surely be at a loss for words.
Thus, I was somewhat worried when I was asked to review this cd, thinking that
I may not be able to form a valid opinion of the music. However, after only my
first listen, it was evident that I was completely wrong - I was fucking
impressed.
My initial reaction upon seeing this disk was, similar to what many of you
reading this must be thinking, “who the fuck is Tarmvred?” I’m
still not really sure about the history of this group, but it’s quite
apparent that this group from Sweden can kick serious ass. “Subfusc”
consists of seven songs, each almost fifteen minutes in length. However, oddly
enough this cd left like it was only twenty minutes long rather than
seventy-four, due to the constant changes in the sounds and structure. I found
the music itself not to be completely noisy or obscure, but rather hard,
intelligent, moody, electronic music unlike anything I’ve ever heard
before - anything. I would probably describe the sound as drum `n bass mixed
with industrial mixed with noise with some female vocals, only it’s so
much more than that. The album is filled with dancy, varied beats over labtop
noises, heavy and grinding at some points, while serene and calm at others, a
contrast which proved to be effective. I a lso found this album sounded
especially kewl while falling asleep, don’t ask me why.
One thing I definitely loved about this disk was that unlike quite a few other
noise acts, the sounds Tarmvred used throughout the album were always changing.
In fact, I only caught one sound that was used twice in more than one song.
Thus, the music wasn’t repetitive or loopy in the least, and never loses
the listener’s attention. Rather, this is an album that fully grabs your
concentration, an experience where the listener is aurally stimulated with a
range of caustic noises and computerized chaos. However, amidst this clutter of
sound, something more can be found - emotion under layers of insanity. I
didn’t want to skip a track. In fact, I thought this cd was so unique and
original I listened to it twice in a row, and it sounded completely different
the second time through. If you find yourself getting bored of music, listen to
this album.
I almost feel cheated that I never heard this band until now. This is fucking
kewl shit. Furthermore, taking into consideration the amount of people that
were dancing to the group last Friday at Savage, one can surely say that this
project is definitely doing something right. I think that if I missed their
show this Sunday at Savage I would have to stick dozens of rusty nails in my
eyeballs. And for 5 bucks? I’d most definitely give up my pack of smokes
for the day in exchange to see a band I’ll most likely never see again. As
well, if I may suggest, indulging in recreational use of an illicit substance
would definitely be a plus before listening to this band. And lastly, when was
the last time you saw a show at Savage for fuck’s sake! I’m so
excited it feels like I have firecrackers up my ass.
- review by
Flipps
February 14, 2002
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