Bastard Noise's The Analysis of Self-Destruction

by Alan Cummings
The Wire

Born from the dried up dust of "legendary" California sludgemeisters Man Is The Bastard, the Bastard Noise ensemble have long been active collaborators with the international power electronics underground. For this release though, Merzbow assault is set aside in favour of a more reflective, even minimal approach. The group is stripped down to core member Wood, playing alone or in duo mode. Supposedly a meditation on our dying world, his thriftstore electronics, cobbled together instruments and lo-fi Ambient noise summon up potent images of fossilised birds and cicadas chirupping in a petrified forest. The results are surprisingly mature and listenable.

• MP3: Bastard Noise - Death Wish for the Dying