Merzbow - Amlux

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 1 / 9 / 2002

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Review

Masami Akita, a.k.a. Merzbow, turns to yet nother new label, Important, and challenges the crooked music biz with a subvention from the Import shop. There's no change of style. Merzbow stands for no compromise when it comes to exceeding recording levels. A klot of thought and concentration went into the composition of this 4 track mini album. The opening track 'Takemitsu' features mighty aggression as screeching electronics clash with sonics from a wall built by snares. Merzbow's thick layers seem to be samples recorded in traffic and warfare and at least imply dynamics of the purest kind. Again my votes go to Melt Banana, Guitar Wolf and Merzbow. While originating a mean loud noise these musicians - all Japanese, which is the point I'm trying to make - never fail to draw your attention. Unlike its cosmopolitan sleeve suggests, 'Amlux' is rather the soundtrack to battling forces of decibels and voltage. A brainwash if you like, 'Amlux' is an aural drill search.

Track Listing:-

1 Takemitsu
2 Looping Jane
3 Cow Cow
4 Luxerious Automobile