I’m not usually going to be reviewing digital releases. There is so much crap out there that one could easily get lost listening to what mostly turns out to be junk. When I saw the first link in the Psych Lovers Facebook group for Black Holes Are Cannibals initial release “Drone Experiment #1” Something pulled me in and I decided to give it a go and I was instantly hooked. Drones and sonic exploration are obviously not for everyone. But this stuff falls right into my wheelhouse.
Black Holes Are Cannibals Is Chris Jude Watson’s new project following his time in Snakes Don’t Belong in Alaska. It features Chris and a revolving group of collaborators participating in, up to now, a series of drone experiments that slowly evolve with each outing into a more “cohesive” improv outfit. You can check these first pieces out on the Infinity Mirror Bandcamp page.
Drone # 1 is the first release in this series and is listed as the “Test Phase”. Thirty-One minutes of Drone experimentation on the Harmonium by Chris augmented by singing bowls, chimes and guitars aided by Jake Hughes on guitar and effects culminating in a finale of pedal and effects manipulation.
The second set offered up is entitled “15/02/2020 [Between 21:45pm and 23:00pm]”. Divided up into two parts and described as “Phase One” the lineup expands to include James Watts on throat singing and vocals, Jake Hughes on guitar and vocals, Johnny West on Bass, Skylar Gill on drums and Chris Watson on guitar, Harmonium and singing bowl. Picking up where Drone #1 left off we have a much fuller sound. Gentle tribal drumming combines with the harmonium in the forefront while we work in some subtle guitar work and some erie swirling effects. Half way through part 1 the bass throat singing works its way in to create a much darker environment as the guitar also picks up it’s intensity and the harmonium fades to the background. By the 20-minute mark things really start to build. The last five minutes start to wind down and things get a bit more experimental. Part two follows the same sort of trajectory with slightly different emphasis at different points. Overall this is a great listen if drone is your thing and at an hour in length it sets the mood for a good long while.
The third installment features the same lineup as the previous one and once again is broken up into two pieces Part 1: Cannibals At Large and Part II: The Worship of The Unknowable recorded on 29/02/202 [Between 21:14 and 22:06pm]. Again 1 track divided into two parts. The same instrumentation is listed on this piece however we leave the drones of the Harmonium behind to start as we begin with some subdued guitar noodling and various effects and are eventually presented with a much more traditional and cohesive improv piece with a solid bass groove and traditional drumming alongside scorching guitars with the slight swirl of effects in the background. Part I eventually fades out into more experimental territory and part II begins with the familiar drones of the Harmonium and some haunting textural sounds amidst more tribal drumming. Five minutes in the tension builds with the screeching of the guitar strings and the pounding rhythm always keeping you on the edge wondering if pure pandemonium is about to break out and then eventually drifting back to where the piece started in the experimental realm with throat singing and what sounds like bowed guitars.
I am honestly not sure how you classify this music and it’s not like we have to, but at some point you have to be able to describe it to someone. Elements of drone, improv and experimentation are all present as are elements of the psych freak-outs we all love. It’s really interesting to be let in early to experience the creation of a project that really fits your listening style. If you are a fan of The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol, Snakes Don’t Belong in Alaska or anything on the Infinity Mirror label for that matter this is going to be right up your alley. At £2 for each release its worth chipping in for the quality tunes. Hoping for a nice physical release in the near future.
