Most of the discs that have been on Utech's ARC series have been consistently dark excursions in texture and noise. Never full on harshness akin to Merzbow, but generally bleak, almost punishing works (in the best possible sense). As it is drawing to a close, this seems to allow a bit of light to seep in, but only in the darkest shades of gray. Former Boredoms/Zeni Geva player Mitsuru manages to take a unique spin on the series that has a greater warmth and somewhat less density, but it is by no means inferior.
Book ended by the two-part "Mahhagogo" track, both of the parts open with Mitsuru and friends chanting the title before launching into a noise roar. While noisy, it isn't violently so—it is more of a humming, warm wall of distortion, like a forceful blast of hot air. Eventually the noise takes on the character of heavy blowing winds that have an alien, spacey quality to them, like being in the midst of a storm on Venus.
These beginning and end points of the album also make for the most challenging moments, as the middle are a little more comfortable and familiar. The untreated guitar playing of "Dust to Dust" is a bit jarring after the blast from before, but the gentle strums slowly give way to a building swell of feedback just a bit off from the mix that eventually grows to dominate and own the mix.
Also in the realms of conventional is the string plucking of "Tiovivo" that lend an almost spaghetti western soundtrack slant to the track. Honestly, this could almost be coming out of any coffee house in America if it weren't for the complex, dissonant guitar abuse that hides beneath the surface but slowly rears its ugly head to the point that it becomes the focus by the end. The title track is among the most bizarre of the disc, avoiding the plaintive guitar of the prior tracks and instead goes for the electronic treatment. The high pitched synth tones have a painful, tinnitus like sustain that stay the focal point from beginning to end, with more pulsing tones like radar beacons from deep, dark space.
The ARC series draws to its conclusion on a high note that is consistent with the previous releases. While there is a slightly different overall feel and vibe to Mitsuru's disc, it is by no means uncharacteristic of the series and is another fascinating installment. Why the Utech label isn't getting more recognition is a shame, and I hope the forthcoming fine art series that's planned helps to remedy this oversight.
samples:
Read More
