PGR | I\U – Split CD
A limited 250-copy split has been released by a label called Mercium. Not much information to be found about the label; I have checked both Discogs and Bandcamp. Existed since 2019 and has had five releases so far, including four cassettes and this CD. A split between two acts, PGR is from Italy (Now based in Taiwan) and I\U from Copenhagen, Denmark. This is a live recording from 2022 from the live venue Mayhem (Also in Copenhagen). Both acts deliver 2 tracks each, about 50 minutes of recorded sound.
The sound of a sandblaster, a dentist drill, high-pitched tones, and the feeling of getting buried in hot cement. Just the first two minutes of the first track called Inter Faeces Et Urinam Nascimur Pars Prima (We are born between feces and urine). Additional squelching noises and several underground explosions push the listener further into the harsh noise soubndscape. Stressed-out finger dexterity on the equipment can be felt through the exciting performance (I think).
The second track, Inter Faeces et Urinam Nascimur Pars Secunda, turns toward more of an HNW sound (In the beginning) and slowly fades into erratic harsh noise. A constant searing hot sound like ice exploding on hot lava. A sharp needlepin scratches the surface while electrified cords hum endlessly into oblivion.
The third track, Directum by I\U. A flapping sound of wet-glitchy electronics with shrapnels from a high-pitched piece of machinery. Not as heavy as the former act, but relying more on psychedelic and spacey high frequencies. A lot more in the Japanoise sort of sound. The mood changes halfway through to a chopping sound of old aeroplane motors, with a nerve-wrecking tone pulling the listener through a lake filled with barbed wire. More spaced-out, erratic behavior of sound is being constantly delivered to the listener.
The fourth (and last) track is called Variabilis. The microscopic sound of hot metal being boiled and melted, with a mess of metallic sounds that fade in and out of focus. Kind of being in a fast-driving car on a rural road, it goes fast... and up and down while turning. Although this rusty car spits out bits of pieces while doing so. In the end, I think that the car ends up in some big metal-chewing machine, finally wrecking and melting it into tiny screws.
This live harsh-noise split offers a blend of traditional and non-traditional elements to the world of harsh noise. Both acts deliver something, which gives the listener the impression of seeing both sides of the same coin. Which is a good thing in my book. Let´s just be honest, the CD is a monster of a harsh noise release! I'm sure that the live event will be remembered.
