Synonymous with China’s “No Beijing” noise movement, this male and female duo were picked up by Einstürzende Neubauten’s Blixa Bargeld in 2007. Blixa signed them up for Neubauten’s ’08 Europe tour and produced this full-length debut. Part IDM, part experimental noise, White partakes from everyone from Current 93 to Aphex Twin’s ambient stuff, while their manipulation of Chinese dialogue and sound effects goes back to early industrial. This contrast of melody and discord asks, “What is music?” “Space Decay” and “Spring House” are spatial, minimalist bliss in comparison to “Conch Crunch,” which consists of the title being rhythmically repeated over a cacophony of metal on metal and guitar squeaks. “Roswitha Strunk” builds to a crescendo with horror movie screams and fast forward sound effects that progress to a found instrument percussion jam. Another feat in percussion comes in “Train Song” where the rhythm of riding over train tracks is beautifully mimicked. Fans of noise or experimental industrial should check this out. Recommended.
–Kristen K (Maybe Mars, maybemars.com)