Genre: Noise

01. the Sounds of Earth - Acteon 4862-332
02. Pattex vs cH - coma reverse trauma

This limited edition (of 25) CD is a recording of two live sets from 2005. The first thirty four minute set by The Sounds of the Earth is followed by twenty nine minutes of Pattex vs. cH. Having never come across these artists before I had no idea what I should expect.

The Sounds of Earth set begins in a gentle ambient way but this doesn't last long. The expansive droning background is soon layered over with a variety of percussive sounds, squeals, electronic noise, and manipulated vocal sounds. Something about it reminds me of Skinny Puppy's live braps. Early in the set is a full on barrage of noise, disorientating the listener with changes in sonic direction and wave after wave of new sound. Around the mid-point of the set, there is a more subtle uses of rhythmic noise and haunting sampling. This section echoes the best aspects of Throbbing Gristle's DOA album for me. Eventually the listener is treated to just under ten minutes of ambient droney noise. A great end to the set. The Sounds of Earth have pulled off an excellent performance here. Enough variation to keep the listener interested while giving enough time to get full enjoyment of each movement of the set. Clearly Andi and Chris have a lot of talent and the world needs to be exposed to it.

Pattex vs cH's sound has a much more organic feel to it. While having a wall of noise attack to parts of the set, the more stripped down set up (only voices, sampler, Waldorf Q, and a drummachine) gives space for the audience to move through the layers of sound. The first half of Pattex vs cH has more of a power electronics element than The Sound of Earth's more old school industrial sound. The second half descends into some kind of crumbling Lovecraftian madness, with rambling, howling vocals, the thumping crashing sounds of great unholy beasts, and bursts of jarring noise. At least that's what I get from this aural Rorschach test.

Pattex vs cH have put together a strong half hour of noise to match The Sounds of Earth set. Either of these two tracks would make worthy releases in their own right. The fact that they are both on the same disc makes this an essential purchase if you can snag one, though if you're arachnophobic you might want to handle the bloody big tarantula artwork with your eyes closed.