Prurient/ Stillbirth

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release

4...according to our Ant on Thu 03 Sep, 2009.

It's always of huge interest to me to hear what Prurient is up to. He has a reputation for being somewhat of a noisy bastard and indeed he's earned those stripes but he's an artist with far more depth than a lot of folks may realize. Take this split 7" with Stillbirth for example... It's a lovely emotional and fragile piece of music that has tender, slightly mournful atmospheric synths floating over treated, yearning vocals and then lots of intricate metallic sounds that are like a less abrasive Aaron Dilloway. I really like this a lot, it's just a shame its over so quickly. The Stillbirth side I was expecting to be some kind of harsh racket but that's not the case here either. It's a really well constructed track made up from lots of static sounds and eerie synthesizers and guitars. It builds up into quite a buzzing cloud of fuzz and decay and then spookily retreats. Both tracks here have a real sense of sadness about them which quite appeals. Great stuff all round with the Ant seal of approval.

The first in a new series of split vinyl releases on Semata, we are proud to present The Mirror of Purification. Those expecting brutal no-future power electronics will not find it here; instead, you'll find a work that will non doubtingly confound and bewilder - we wouldn't want it any other way. Both sides thematically linked from months of communication, what we have here are two artists stepping out of their comfort zones.

The first vinyl release for Stillbirth (Perispirit, ex-Craniopagus) this material is the unfolding progression from the last Hospital and Jugular Forest tapes. Complex guitar work, tape manipulation, shortwave radios and clever synth leads give 'The View Untangled' an almost musique concrete feel at times - melodies occasionally piercing through the static and blown out amplifier fog. A highly unique voice and one to watch out for.
Prurient's 'Where Secrets are Guarded' brings forth new techniques in the Prurient sound. Melodic vocals mix in with pitch shifted dialogue, spiraling synth lines and what sounds like small metal objects being joggled about or computer keyboards being typed on frenetically. Harmonic shapes take form within the electro-acoustic mist underlining this exceptional text. A work that deems repeat listening.
Two innovative artists at the top of their game, paving the way - there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Edition of 500: randomly mixed colored vinyl cut at 45 RPM with printed labels - Housed in a pro printed gluepocket sleeve. Artwork by Dominick Fernow.

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