“A pure acoustic experience that transcends the boundaries of music, Noise Music works”
Merzbow – Merzbird
- Background: Merzbow, the most important figure in Japanese noise. Released in 2004 on Important Records, this is one of the albums from the period when songs with bird titles were lined up.
- Highlights: “Flood of sound” where high-density bands change. A decisive hit that allows you to experience the “sculptural nature” of noise.
Tracklist
1. Black Swan
2. Mandarin Duck
3. Emu
4. Victoria Crowned Pigeon
5. White Peafowl
Youtube
Zeni Geva – Desire For Agony
- Background: Formed in Tokyo in 1987. Featuring KK.Null and Tatsuya Yoshida, they cross over progressive rock/HC/metal/noise rock. Recorded in Chicago in 1993.
- Highlights: Aggressive sound image range from bold riffs to impromptu explosions. A representative of the intersection of noise and rock.
Tracklist
A1. Stigma = スティグマ
A2. Dead Sun Rising = デッドサンライジング
A3. Desire For Agony = 苦痛志向
A4. Heathern Blood = ヒーズンブラッド
A5. Disgraceland = ディスグレイスランド
B1. Whiteout = ホワイトアウト
B2. Love Bite = ラヴバイト
B3. Autopsy Love = オートプシィラブ
B4. The Body = ザ ボディー
Youtube
Les Rallizes Dénudés – Live 1972
- Background: Formed in Kyoto in 1967. A legendary band that was active from the 1960s to the 1990s and had a great influence on noise rock both in Japan and abroad. Maintains cult popularity.
- Highlights: Desolate sustained sounds, roaring drones, minimal repeating grooves. The original experience of Japanese noise psyche hits you directly.
Tracklist
1. 造花の原野 (Field of Artificial Flowers)
2. 夜より深く (More Deeply Than the Night)
3. 白い目覚め (White Waking)
4. untitled improvisation
5. 氷の炎 (Ice Fire)
6. The Last One
Youtube
Hair Stylistics – Impression Of Nasty Dread / Best Of Hair-Style In My Life (7”)
- Background: Masaya Nakahara under the name Hair Stylistics. Released in 1999, the 7-inch model continues to lead the experimental and noise context to this day.
- ** Highlights **: The sense of cutting and editing and the momentary maximum wind speed of excessive noise are included in the short version. Great for beginners and collections.
Tracklist
A. Impression Of Nasty Dread
B. Best Of Hair-Style In My Life
SebastiAn – Smoking Kills
- Background: French electro standard-bearer around Ed Banger. A single that injects “screaming noise” into futuristic electro.
- Highlights: The sharp breaks and saturation of “Dolami.” A great example of enjoying the texture of noise in a club format.
Tracklist
A Smoking Kills (?)
B1 Dolami
B2 Shoot
Youtube
Tipsy – Nude On The Moon / Space Golf
- Background: San Francisco lounge collage duo. A mixture of abstract/trip hop/experimental/noise elements.
- Highlights: Lo-fi texture x Mondo cut-up. It’s also a pleasant introduction to “ear-friendly noise.”
Tracklist
A1. Nude On The Moon (Naked Volleyball Mix)
A2. Nude On The Moon (DJ Friendly Mix)
B1. Space Golf (Balloon Mix)
B2. Space Golf (Venusian Swing Mix)
Youtube
Buffalo Daughter – WXBD
- Background: Japanese experimental rock trio. A planned album with the electronica/noise aspects enhanced by the participation of various remixers.
- Highlights: Acoustic collage in the context of big beats and breakbeats. Enjoy the pleasure of editing, including the hands of Cornelius and others.
Tracklist
A1. Great Five Lakes (Kut Masta Kurt Mix)
A2. Super Blooper (Panda's Goodvibe Mix)
A3. Great Five Lakes (Cornelius Mix)
A4. Sky High + Down Sea (Jopolo Mix)
B1. Socks, Drugs And Rock 'N' Roll (Nardone Mix)
B2. R & B (Rhythm And Basement) (Elite Force Mix)
B3. Jellyfish Blues (Scratch Pet Land Mix)
B4. Super Blooper (Remix Live From Lee's Palace, Toronto)
Youtube
summary
- If you enter from the royal roar Merzbird/Naked Rally’s.
- Smoking Kills if you want to experience the texture of noise in a club context.
- For a collage approach, try Hair Stylistics/Tipsy/WXBD.
- For those who prefer to make their own equipment, check out the Eurorack column to find out about the best equipment before listening.
Noise is music that can be experienced, not just listened to. Please use the links to dig deeper.
