Show Blogs

I opened the show with a foray into minimal electronics, a mixture of minimal techno (Daniel Bell), neo-Pan Sonic groove research (Empyset) and modern underground noise (Forcefield). Using a track off the Susan Lawly-released compilation Extreme Music From African, I then transitioned into vintage field recordings from Africa and beyond. Fun stuff.

Later on I showcased one of my favorite modern industrial artists, Hum of the Druid (born Eric Stonefelt). Most noise dudes seem to classify H.o.t.D. as "harsh noise." But what I hear is a musician working in a tradition -- the fusion of acoustic-based sonic experimentation and mechanical grind -- that can be traced all the way back to Throbbing Gristle's Heathen Earth LP. Then again, genre tags mean very little in the larger scheme of things.

I'd like to mention just one other highlight, and it came in the middle of the show. I played two killer guitar jams: Kousokuya's 16-minute opus "The Omen" and To Live and Shave in L.A.'s "Nor Swollen-Bellied Comet Blown." The former is a prime example of psychedelic noise-rock from Japan, while the latter boats one of the coolests guitar licks -- courtesy of Mr. Velocity Hopkins -- that I've ever heard. Hopkins totally shreds, but what pushes his fancy fretwork over the top is how Shave maestro Tom Smith loops it, thus creating this vicious cyclical beast that becomes the anchor of the song. Whenever I hear To Live and Shave in L.A. I feel like I'm listening to a rock band from 40 years into the future. Smith and company are true visionaries.

That's about it for now. Don't forget: Kill the Head is taking a break for the next two weeks (Friday, March 12 and 19). I'm heading to the U.K. with my wife for a much-needed vacation. I return on Friday, March 26, and I will have a stack of new jams in tow. Be on the lookout.