CoC : Bob Marinelli / Facialmess

Bob Marinelli / Facialmess - _Split_
(Distorted Vision, 1998)
by: Gabriel Sanchez (8.5 out of 10)

As much as I am open to covering as many different acts as possible, it is hard not to keep returning to past favorites when their output is this damn good. Distorted Vision Records brings together the chaotic noise workings of Bob Marinelli with one of Japan's leading (and somewhat unsung) noise master Facialmess. Marinelli's side provides more of the excellent fast paced sound swirls that have made him (in my mind) one of the single best artists in the United States today. The collage of noise provided can best be described as the beautiful sound your '86 Ford Taurus' factory speakers make as the busted tape deck devours your brand spanking new Winger cassette while you simultaneously experience the thrills of a ten car pile up accident occurring right in front you. In other words, it is nothing short of orgasmic. Facialmess, in turn, slow the pace down a bit while still providing a number of quick changes to their sound and still managing to kick up the harshness another level. Everything from boomy bass explosions, therapeutic feedback, and distorted voice manipulation for good measure come dancing out of the audio channels, not giving two shits or a flying fuck what poor creature's ear drums are in their way. Could this be love? I think so. This is definitely a release any noise junkie will want to get their grubby little hands on, not to mention newbies to the genre fixing to kick back, relax, and blow their $2,000 speaker systems.

Contact: Distorted Vision Records, 300 West Fourth St.

(article published 13/2/1999)