Noisex- Brain on Rotation

Written by Matthew Johnson

ARTIST: Noisex
ALBUM: Brain on Rotation
LABEL: Self-released
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 3-17-08

As the artist most responsible for creating and popularizing the genre of power noise, Noisex's Raoul Rotation remains one of the scene's most accessible acts. Unlike many of his contemporaries and imitators, Rotation is able to maintain a balance between melody and distortion that manages to keep hardcore noise addicts satisfied while also providing enough texture to keep more casual fans interested. This limited edition EP, originally released to coincide with Noisex's 2006 tour of North America, starts off with "Brain on Vacation," which is distorted but slick, juxtaposing a buzzing bass line with tense electronic loops and distorted but comprehensible vocals. The aptly-titled "Noise Fiesta" is a crunchy industrial stomp laced with the exuberant yips and yelps of Mexican folk music. "Torture in Veins" is Noisex at its hardest, with rumbling bass feedback and rasping vocals panning back and forth across the stereo channels. Also on display are an alternate edit of each track, with "Brain on Vacation" breaking down into piano interludes, "Noise Fiesta" getting a colder, more clinical treatment that eventually segues into vocal snippets spliced from earlier Noisex EPs, and "Torture in Veins" being sped up into an even more intense dance floor assault. Long-time fans will appreciate "Ignarrogance 2007," a reworking of a classic Rotation track from 1998 that highlights the original's heavily processed but somehow melancholy vocals, and finishing things up are three instrumental tracks. "No Means No" is chilly and orchestral despite its pounding rhythm, "Du Bunker" is sharper and more abrasive, and "Scratch Me If U Can" closes things out with funky breakbeats and a thick synth line. Noisex is one of those rare power noise acts that's better live than on CD, but this EP is worth picking up if you can find a copy, especially since there's no sign when Rotation's next full-length might be ready to drop.

Get your fill of noise and sex at www.noisex.com.