The Rita — The Nylons of Laura Antonelli
Before we dig into this new reissue, and of course discuss the sonic’s with-in, lets touch down on the works release history. The release first appeared as a tape set on Sweden’s Utmarken label- this presented the work as a eight C30 box set- the set was ltd to 49 copies, and packaged in a plastic box with folded A4 insert. The second edition appeared in 2013 on Canadian label Total Black- once again this saw the work spread over eight C30 tapes- with new artwork including original insert, booklet, 11x17" glossy poster, photographic insert and 1.5" button. Pre-order editions also included a T-shirt.
This new edition finds the work spread over four discs- with four around fifteen-minute tracks per CD. The box set comes in an edition of 300 copies- and is presented in a black wooden box. This features stenciled lettering of the projects name and the releases name on the front,-and on the back a single oriental character- the inside lid features a stencil cut image of a woman raising her skirt to show her stockings. Inside the box, each of the CD’s is presented in it's own glossy color slip-sleeve, which on their front show the same women in various stages of taking off her nylons, and on the back different retro pictures of women in nylons. Also inside the box, we get a reproduction of the original 2009 insert and its linear notes, a small color poster, and a certificate numbered in 300 copies. All in all a really classy item that perfectly enhances the noise fetish side of this release.
In all the work features sixteen tracks, and each of these was created via live source recordings of various styles of women's nylon stockings been mic'd up. Each track finds Mckinlay choosing a fairly narrow selection of rubbing, dragging, and ripping textures- these he arranges into dynamic, appealing and often quite complex patterns. The pace/ urgency of each ‘wall’ moves between tense, tight and at times breathtaking, to jarring playful, through to more spaced, nervy and twisting. Through-out the works four-hour runtime Mckinlay skilfull, and masterful keeps control of the textures- making sure one wholly and completely captivated. Some tracks remain fairly fixed and set in their patterns, while others shift in both pace and complexity- yet always one is kept held, impressed, and entertained by what's unfolding here.
In conclusion, it’s some great to have this textured noise masterwork back in print again- and with the edition of 300 copies, more people will be able to hear this classic Rita release…but I wouldn't hang around too long, as knowing The Rita releases even these won’t be around for very long. Head here to secure a copy of the boxset direct from the label.