Sunn 0)))--White 1
Southern Lord 2003
Sunn 0))) have been doing the ambient drone/doom thing for quite awhile, now. White 1 is the newest installment of their brutally heavy soundscaping. Featuring guests such as Julian Cope, Joe Preston (Thrones/Earth/Melvins), and former Thorr's Hammer vocalist/hottie Runhild Gammelsaeter, it all just goes to prove that the Sunn 0)))/Burning Witch/Khanate boys, Greg Anderson and Stephen O'Malley, can do no wrong.
First of all, for the uninitiated, as inaccessible as Burning Witch and Khanate are, Sunn 0))) is a hundred steps further down that hellish ladder. This is incredibly bleak and repetitive material, usually performed without percussion of any kind. That said, as far as atmospheric/ambient/noise recordings go, this is a much easier listen than, say, Merzbow, or even the Thrones. What's going on with Sunn 0))) is definitely doom, but executed in a very unorthodox way.
The three tracks which comprise White 1 vary just enough to keep things intriguing. Track one, "My Wall," is set apart from the other pieces due to an oratory performed by Julian Cope over the dirge. It almost sounds like an incantation and lends an enormous hand in furthering the energy created by the doomy drones which loom in the background. The second piece, "The Gates Of Ballard," might be the easiest listen White 1 has to provide, thanks to some simple, understated drum machine work. It's such a nice groove--yeah, I said groove--the thing is practically begging to be sampled by Peaches for her next album. This song is also noteworthy for Runhild's vocals which convey an almost folky feel in spots. Sunn 0))) leaves the most difficult to consume for last, "A Shaving Of The Horn That Speared You." This track has sub-bass rumbling like mad, as well as out of tune guitar jangles which recall Sonic Youth. The warpedness of this tune is not surprising, as you can really hear Joe Preston's influence throughout it.
Basically, if you're looking for a foot-tapping, good time party record, White 1 isn't for you. However, if you're wanting to go the opposite direction, right into the heart of desolation, Sunn 0))) has you covered. Either way, this album is an event worth experiencing, sooner or later.
Score this CD directly from SOUTHERN LORD
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