There are a number of things that fascinate a youngster like myself about a couple like Mr.s Matzus and Ramirez. I’ve never made much of a case about anyone’s sexuality but my own, and it infuriates me to see weak people basing their entire identities based solely on what goes on in their pants. These are the stereotypes, the posers, the people who oftentimes have no merit of any sort, and much less an intellect to match. On the other hand, one can also run the risk of creating or becoming a cliche. These men though steer far from stereotypes and cliches, not only intelligent, but their creativity extends far beyond Noise and noisy perversions.
I have developed a deep respect for Richard not only for his prolific nature with noise-art, now going on twenty-three years, but also his skill with High Fashion. One would not see my previous mentions of stereotypes blow up in my face should they see that Mr. R. can indeed dress a woman stunningly, with taste and class. A far, far cry from about three minutes of a sample of a couple of guys fucking bookending almost half hour stretches of a cascade of crisp white noise on a tape.
How this comes to pass, how a cassette is born of circumstances that arise from lives shared intimately as Sean and Richard do, makes me proud that there are grounded people out there that are shining examples of creativity with a cornerstone of non-conformity. These are bold men making no compromises, save perhaps amongst themselves. These are men I look up to. Artistically, anyway. I believe the word fag becomes more and more of a joke as more pieces like this are put out there. After all, being a fag has little to nothing to do with being gay.
Rating: 4/5
Journalist Name: Rexington Steel
Artist: Richard Ramirez & Red Hook (USx2)
Title: The Atrocity Bible
Label: Phage Tapes (US)
Cat. # PT:153
Genre: Harsh Noise
Tracklisting:
Side A: He Came In Here Sold
Side B: Definitions Are Made Flesh
