Ecoute La Merde/Sleep Column - Split [Claustrophilia Records - 2013]A split cdr from Claustrophilia, here; with one long track from Ecoute La Merde and two shorter pieces from Sleep Column. The release comes packaged in very diy packaging, utilising photocopying and sellotape; but the cover itself is a somewhat “retro” looking piece of abstract art - which actually sets the whole package off perfectly. The split also comes with a drawing from Lorenzo Abattoir (the man behind Claustrophilia), which depicts the aftermath of a massacre (of human and horse) in his creepy, “crude” style. Ecoute La Merde’s “Relation Triangulaire” is up first - nearly thirty minutes of lo-fi wall noise. It begins (and ends) with “noisy” signal sounds, plugging in (and unplugging), before erupting into raw, low-fidelity textures. The wall is essentially static and founded on a strong, lurching bass; there’s something subterranean about it - the sound of speedy tunnelling. The rest of the track is made up with fizzy, almost “trashy”, high-mid frequencies; which are somewhat underwhelming. The original strength of the wall seems undeniable, but it has been diluted by the recording - cranking the volume does evoke a fierceness, but the same issue remains: the bass sounds very “rooted”, whilst the mid/treble sound less secure, as if they might float away at some points.
Sleep Column’s two tracks, both untitled, are uniformly stronger than Ecoute La Merde’s contribution. The first, about twelve minutes long, is strong, nasty and dominating. Like “Relation Triangulaire”, the wall is dominated by two main elements - bass and mid frequency textures. The low end is a fast, charging bass; at points, its almost akin to a heavily accelerated acid 303 line. Around this firm foundation, jump scuffing mid-frequencies; giving the whole affair a really “shrill” edge - a decrepit nastiness that is very engrossing. Theres a fantastic sense of space and movement throughout the piece, aided by an effective stereo split. The second untitled piece smashes in immediately: a near nineteen minutes of treble dominated skree. The strong bass remains underneath - indeed, there are definite similarities with the previous track- but the speakers are overwhelmingly smothered by surging treble. The highest of these frequencies assume the form of a static wash, but one consisting of fizzy and crunchy textures, not throwaway, ineffectual weakness. Below this, there is, again, an erratic scuffing; but less noticeable and dominating than before. I’m not always the greatest fan of treble-dominated walls, but Sleep Column’s effort is very intelligent and brutal.
This is, to be harsh, half a great release. The Ecoute La Merde track did little for me; its production seemed to avail it of all the weaknesses of a lo-fi approach, without gaining any of its qualities. The Sleep Column tracks, on the other hand, are both strong, interesting walls. The first, in particular, has a rotted, “dirty” shrillness that’s most impressive. If there are any copies left, this piece alone makes it a very desirable acquisition.   Martin P
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