Cassette Review // Amanda Irarrázabal + Marco Albert "ōg-" (Eh? Records)

https://publiceyesore.bandcamp.com/album/g

A very sharp pitched tone opens this cassette as it then turns into this electronic percussion.  This is not something you would want to play for a dog due to their sensitive hearing, but I enjoy the way that these tones drop in the background.  Words are coming through with distortion.  This can take on a primal feel, as if something or someone is being ripped to shreds while that steel drum rhythm continues to play along.  There is something violent about this sound, for sure, as it remains somewhat mellow until these shots of distortion cut through like electric knives.

More traditional singing comes through now and this really feels like it's taking on two faces at a once- a battle within itself of beauty and the beast.  There are just these lighter tones with the singing going up against the static crackle of distortion and vocals which feel like they might be more primitive.  I'm thinking of somewhere between Frank Goshit and Visitations on the vocals here.  Both of the singing streams can turn into screaming now, but more like yelling for help than what you think of as screaming in music.  The entire sound just seems to be drifting off now.  

Strings can come in and begin to feel as if they're taking us up and down.  A steady bass synth buzz now behind this sort of growling.  I feel like we're in a film such as "The Thing" or "Alien" and we're on a spaceship with an alarm going off as some type of beast is on board trying to destroy us now.  The clicking of the tongue brings back these Pole Position type synths.  It continues to feel as if we're in an alarming state and the clock is ticking.  Higher pitched tones now, like a ghost moaning.  A tapping now and some lasers join in.  Words, softly being spoken now.It becomes mesmerizing.  

As the singing changes course now I am reminded of some combination of an old soul singer, in that dimly lit bar filled with smoke, someone plucking at an upright bass and yet at the same time this feels like a seductress, someone who will come in, sing you a song and then take your soul.  That deep singing comes in again now and everything is feeling like a slower version of what was happening before when it felt like the two sounds were fighting each other.  

A warbling sound takes us into the next song which has both voices coming through at the same time and neither of them really sounds traditional.  In some ways, this can feel like a nightmare.  An almost maniacal laughter comes through now, the sound feeling as if it is glitching.  Sharp, buzzing electronics now.  A rattle.  Clicking and ticking.  The screaming and feeling of an electric chainsaw now takes us into some harsh noise static.  

On the flip side we begin with these deep bass strings and that speaking way of feeling like Frank Goshit that was on the first side.  A winding now, a twisting and turning with carnival ride sounds that are out of control.  The vocals can begin to feel out of breath while almost crying as it feels like it has become an even greater fight for survival.  Sharper strings and sharper frequencies come out now.  Distorted vocals behind it and this is a mechanical masterpiece.  Everything feels like a glitch now. Sounds repeating as the vocals yell.

The other vocals return now and can feel like a witch out of a Disney film such as Snow White or maybe even The Wizard of Oz just melting or having some kind of effect on someone.  The other other vocals are back now and speaking in that primitive way as the laser drones twist and bend behind them.  Cutting like a helicopter now with the beeping of an alarm.  Both vocals at the same time now.  Sharp frequencies.  The frequencies change as the electronics scatter.  We go into that throat singing now which just feels like the vocal chords are expanding and contracting.  Chaotic strings are with this now as well and in some ways it makes me think of what it might have sounded like when the Titanic was sinking.

Everything comes out so electronic now, with this screeching that makes it feel harsh but also like we're just grinding to the end.  It's that idea of being on the highway at top speed and having to come to an instant stop.   This takes us into a broken pinball machine type of distortion sound next.  Some yelling.   There is a rhythm to this bass and whistle now.  It's scrambling and scratchy.   This has become quite chaotic in its sound.  It's the way this laser cuts through with sharpness as the vocals return which makes it all feel like something terrible has just happened and they are all dead.  Deep bass is like a giant boat would make at sea and it's more of that feeling out of breath vocal sounds, but almost like a monkey as well.  This can feel absolutely terrifying in the best possible way.