“Tremenda Legge” by ROL
I started digging around for more things “from Italy” after my recent listen to Ghost in Mozambique (see below); among the finds in my collection was this older EP from ROL. It is an absolute little gem of dark experimental music. The opener of the EP (and title track) sets the mood with what sounds like bowed bass, vinyl record static, and a slow drip beat. The harsher sounds on “Ipnosi TV” play like a really messed up broadcast. Also a little more on the noisy side is “Diverso,” which has some wind and fire, blended with more bass and a steady tapped beat; it ultimately feels like you’re listening to strange noise off in the distance. The final track, “Telefono,” cleverly uses different telephone sounds and a slow, deep beat mixed with blasts of quick snare rolls; it all creates a sort of sullen funk. I’m not fluent in Italian, but I can say that “Tremenda Legge” is musica straordinaria.
“Urlo Psichico” by Ghost In Mozambique
The first two tracks on this album feature lots of static, primitive percussion, and various distorted human voice formats (video samples, chanting, maybe animal imitations, etc.) blended into the mix. The third piece, “Incantesimo,” ups the harsh component and is a treat (test?) for fans of longer form noise. It’s the four songs that make up the “second half” of the album, however, where Ghost In Mozambique really expands their operations. Whether it’s the cautious drones and subtle pulses of the title track, or the bubbling electric noise and unhurried electric piano notes on “Snake Dance,” the band adds lots of nice variety to this Psychic Scream.
“Apnea” by ADZ
If you like your noise slow and low, it’s time to experience some “Apnea.” ADZ sets the mood of this long track right out of the gate; there’s a sort of desolate wind sound mixed with a deep, steady, booming bass percussion note. That beat repeats ever so slowly. Over the course of the next 37 minutes, you’ll also hear some electricity and playing with circuits, as well as pulsing and brief machine gun rapid rhythms. (At one point, as I sunk into the sound, it felt like you could dance a slow waltz to it, but maybe that’s just me.) All the pieces that make up this track are repeating elements of sounds that come and go in different combinations. Take it easy and breathe; there’s no need to hurry.