This twenty-two minute work of experimentation embodies a collaborative force between the current noise monoliths in Pregnant Spore and Envenomist. For those perhaps unfamiliar with one or both projects, Pregnant Spore is the solo alias of Justin Marc Lloyd, owner of Rainbow Bridge Records and current noise journalist for Egan Budd over at Existence Establishment. In addition to this work, Lloyd has an army of other projects from False Flag and The Inappropriate King Live to the psych textures of Dementia and Hope Trails and the since retired monikers of Sensible Nectar and Dim Dusk Moving Gloom. Envenomist on the other hand is Columbus, Ohio native David Reed, whom has had a fair amount of success both live through performances with the likes of Bloodyminded and Wolf Eyes and through his support for Envenomist by Killer Pimp (Brainwashed), Chondritic Sound, BloodLust!, Phage Tapes, and many others. Additional projects for Reed include Luasa Raelon, Brittle Foundries, Starlight Fleecing (with Larry Marotta of Jazz Hands and Ryan Jewell) and Eolomea (with Andre Foisy of Locrian) whom recently released their debut tape on the celebrated Wisconsin label Brave Mysteries.
With two artists of this caliber manning the helm of a new project, it’s difficult not to respect it from the onset — and for good reason. Side A opens to a tidal swell of Lloyd’s grungy, slowly shifting static noise that eventually holds steady in an electrical tone beyond a now boldly present deep drone. The only melodic influences on this untitled track come from these drones that certainly mirror Reed’s work in Envenomist — drones that seem to populate the background of the track through subtle synth motions while Lloyd’s distinct style of oscillating, humming electronics and chaotic, relatively mild noise inhabits the front of the mix. Throughout this side, the creation shows signs of collapse from both composers, be it by lurking tsunami sized drones or by temporary fragments of harshness.
Side B is quite a departure from Side A. Where Lloyd’s frenzy of static on the first side took center stage, now Reed’s tonal expressions represent a different face behind the creations. Multiple layers of droning disharmony align to create a fiercely uncomfortable atmosphere. These crystalline sounds are textured by a consistent clicking that changes pace and, despite there being no actual tempo, appears to slow down and speed up the track based on their speed. Noise influences here include minor bits of experimental electronics that build in density and intensity as the track wears on.
In the end, it’s hard to point out what makes this tape stand out, but it does. The level of craftsmanship in regards to the creation of atmospheres is at a level that Envenomist has ultimately become known for, and it’s Lloyd’s inherent abrasive structuring that give foundation to something unique and equally vexatious. Strong, but not overpowering. Heavy in demeanor as if ethereal but firmly anchored in a very raw ferocity that ultimately results in an unexpectedly effective listen.
Track List:
A1) Untitled
B1) Untitled
Rating: 4.75/5
Written by: Sage
Label: Car Wash Tapes (US) / CW014 / Tape
Noise / Drone Ambient
