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Japanese experimental noise legend KK Null is coupled here with the underground American Moz for this split release from the Crionic Mind label.

KK Null offers 5 tracks which are the most interesting I've heard from this artist to date. Starting with the monolithic vibe of KXYL - straight in tumble and streak. A rush of disorientation, that balances a soundscape with a hint of techno influence. Cuts and glitches enter the structure, breaking the coherence at times. Plinking string and high pitched whines mark the passage of a Giant Walking In A Tunnel Of Libido. The string an increased vibration, echoing disturbed strokes with a move towards an increasing noise suggestion. Restraint is maintained but there is a pricklyness and the shifting of plate layers. Tight, squelched pulses bombard you as you take part in Psychopathic Surfing. The rate of kinetic bombardment switches from regular to rapid, with a low hypnotic pulse wetly beating. Shift to Hypnocide is clean, the suggestion of Psychopathic minimal, instead reprising the string of Giant Walking. The slow string stroke and vibration is matched by the extension of pulse into mild oscillating waves. The stretch of this is more teasing than the previous tracks, working its way in. becoming layers of streaks before merging into the cut up glitch and drill of Quid Pro Quo. A contained chaotic twitch mixes with a sustained vibrating drill tone.

Moving on to the material by Moz we have the building hum of Release Valve, a distant rumbling audible within that. This maintains a minimal feel, adding impressions of light rain. Momentary twitches offer a more pronounced interruption, though as these go on the intensity of the base builds. From that the bubbling strike and echo of Wage Slave comes along. Lines of electronics jangled buzz strips, building to an intensity at the back of your head. Blips and signals developing from there. Distorted growl of vocal comes in as the electronics become whiny with noise strain. A chime echoes, extending, then followed by a rough electronic core that is the Degradation Of Divinity. A straight strip of sound, with vibrant overtones. With a vocal sample we more on to Imperialism, a clanging doomed beat. Backed by collapse - the slide of structures and the rumble of rubble meeting earth. Building to onslaught, tidal wave voices mixing in with the clangorous waves. Again moving on there is a vocal sample, reading out the verdict in a nazi trial, leading to the slow march of Funeral Procession. The march beat is rough, distorted, but low in the mix so it has an almost soothing pulse. Melody is light, melancholic bass, suitably funereal. Moz rounds out with the chiming, strained mechanics of Asylum. Clear bell tones mix with chimes being wound tight and wobbling with strain. Metallic strikes add tapping accompaniment, building the feel of the piece. Increasingly intense in its percussive manner, but also sparse in impression.

Overall this is another strong and distinct release from the Crionic Mind label.

RVWR: PTR
July 2001

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Crionic Mind

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