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 AUBE/ZBIGNIEW
KARKOWSKI
Mutation
2000
Staalplaat/ERS (ERSCD001)
49:21
UK distribution: These Records
Often, when vainly attempting to persuade others of the harsh noise
wonders of Merzbow, Knurl or Macronympha, I have
been heard to use the self-invented term 'Death of Music'. By this I mean
two things - firstly that there being nothing left to do or say in music,
then the whiteout of Oersted or Noisembryo make fitting
epitaphs; secondly - and the interpretation that I prefer - that not only
is it no longer necessary for music to have any melody, rhythm or form,
but that there is also no need for it now to be performed on recognisable
musical instruments. Akifumi Nakajima (Aube) has previously
offered works generated from the sounds of water, glow lamps, metals,
steel wire, his own body and - brilliantly - sounds made by ripping up,
stamping on and otherwise abusing The Bible (Pages from the Book).
Here, in collaboration with Zbigniew Karkowski, he uses stones
in a Japanese temple as his sound source, creating an eerie, meditative,
exquisitely beautiful recording that gradually takes your head apart and
puts it back together again as something different, maybe even something
better. In spirit it (unsurprisingly) most resembles his work with metals
- Triad Thread and Still Contemplation in particular - but
enjoys a control and an energy that slightly sets it apart. This may well
be down to the subtle influence of Karkowski, who at first sight is virtually
invisible on what is basically Aube's record. I listened to this on returning
at daybreak from the subterranean labyrinth of fabulous Fabric, currently
the most happening place on this planet. The enthusiasm there of the beautiful
people for endless repetitive bass shift and body-shredding hard treble
sprinkle, delivered impeccably and remorselessly at numbing volume, followed
by my own engagement with Mutation over coffee and cigarettes convinces
me now more than ever: 'Death of Music' is alive, and it is kicking. Ignore
it at your peril.
STEWART GOTT - 2 October 2000
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