MERZBOW

"Annica"

Cold Spring - 2008

CD

One of Masami Akita's latest outputs sees the light under the banners of Cold Spring and presents three tracks, the first recorded in London the day after a live performance in the City, and the other two in Tokyo. "Annica Part. 1" is particularly interesting, as it's surely one of Merzbow's most accessible creations, with live drums freely improvised and played on top of the traditional noise assaults. Memories of the very early Merz-albums, such as "Antimonument" or "Material Action 2", definitely surface in this very interesting piece. "Part. 2" and "Part. 3" move back into the direction of the ultrasonic mayhem that made Masami famous.

Obviously, "Annica" is a precious addition to the titanic collection of every hardcore Merz-fan, but it also represents a precious chance for the skeptical to approach the ear-shattering world of Merzbow, since it comprises a more structured and organic composition side-by-side with the typical devastating walls of noise.

- Simon V.

Website: http://www.merzbow.net

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MERZBOW | Z'EV - Spiral Right / Spiral Left - Cold Spring CD

8 Nov 2007: MERZBOW @ Lingotto Fiere, Torino, Italy