Review of the 'WIERD Compilation Volume II : Analogue Electronic Music 2008'(4LPs+32 page book - 39 trax by 30 bands) by Other Music, NYC is below or in its complete update form here:
othermusic.com/2008june04update.html
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$39.99 LPx4
$18.99 MP3
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VARIOUS ARTISTS
Wierd Compilation Vol. II: Analogue Electronic Music 2008
(Wierd)
 "Enemies of the Earth" Tobias Bernstrup
"Malignant Tumor of the Heart" Angel of Decay
Aside from being a foray into the obsessive, very rare, contemporary world of Wierd, Vol. II aims to suggest that the use of vintage analogue synthesizers is no longer the post-apocalyptic vision of an uncertain "post-human" future (as it once was at the inception of new wave in the late-'70s), and that in the world of "click and drag" virtual software synths, the analogue instrument represents a new form of resistance in which the supposedly outdated machine is reborn as a folk instrument not unlike the acoustic guitar, violin, or hand drum. The human presence is affirmed and preserved through the artist's direct interaction with the machines and the electricity that runs through them. Hear! Hear!
Since the last compilation, the Wierd weekly has started back up with an actual dance floor and less of a clubhouse feel, and even more new local and international live acts. Wierd also organized a successful evening for Absolute Body Control, Wolf Eyes and Martial Canterel. A new generation of people are joining the old-school and getting into the sounds of minimal synth, and Wierd has become a headquarter for likeminded fans and artists alike. This over-the-top QUADRUPLE LP set features 39 tracks by 30 bands. (The pressing is unknown, but it's no doubt as limited as the first.) Also included is a 12x12", 32-page book containing over 300 photos, mostly from the night and live performances, along with band photos, bios and lyrics all housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve. Included in the booklet is the compilation's statement of purpose, which is quoted above. This thing is quite a slab!
The selections underscore the "mission statement" with many of the vocal cuts veering more toward a dynamic, analogue synth Suicide meets Cassettecombinat style of track that skillfully land closer to synth-wave/D.I.Y. than electro pop. (Wave Tank, Human Puppets, Audiodidakt, Opus Finis, Led Er Est, etc., exchange poppy bleep for more textural/visceral buzz.) The cohesive variety smacks of the same open-minded feel of Chris Carter's CTI compilations. Waves (with John Wiese) brings the piercing tone generator vibe, Carlos Giffoni presents beautifully arcing synth textures, while A2 deliver epic, pulsing synth-Krautrock. The harrowing, bottomless pit of Envenomist (David Reed) leads beautifully into Staccato Du Mal's "Su Ultimo Secreto." Of course the proper "songs" are interspersed with other more soundtrack/textural/noise tracks from artists like Angel of Decay, Demons (Nate Young and Co.), Hive Mind, Siamese Pearl, etc. And Wierd veterans Martial Canterel, Xeno and Oaklander, Epee Dubois, Three to Forgotten, Sleep Museum and Tobias Bernstrup bring the goods as expected.
Perhaps it was the statement of purpose that did it, but Vol. II definitely plays out a bit better than Vol. I managed to do, even with the daunting task of creating an eight-side listening experience. The mastering is excellent, pushing the natural grain of the synth textures up front whether used in song or soundscape. Highly recommended, very special and, of course, "very rare." [SM] | ..TABLE>
12:11 AM
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