Coming soon from Feeding Tube Records (USA) and Cardinal Fuzz (Europe) is the latest release from Bristol, UK’s Anthroprophh, “German Oak” SIne their first release in 2012, Anthroprophh have been unleashing their unique brand of fuzzed-out mayhem on multiple labels but primarily on the legendary Rocket Recordings. I have to admit to not being familiar with their work so this is my first go-around with this outfit.
Side one is consumed by the 17-minute title track in all its fuzzed-out distorted chaos from start to finish. It’s like a free form jazz sax freak-out without the sax. chaotic guitars feeding back over a wall of distortion on top of a frantic rhythm section. Over the last three minutes things wind down to an odd quiet of electronics, and field recordings of planes, birds, and water.
Side two is four tracks that run together beginning with the primal rhythms and subtle electronics of “You Have Sailed With A Furious Soul”. “Goblin Combe” follows with its early keyboard sounds mixed with more field recordings in the background where you can pick up some distant conversation and various sounds of walking. “Wandlied” is next with a quickly paced Eastern-sounding folky piece of guitar picking work accompanied by some hand drumming. The LP closes out with “Boxing Day” a slow crawling bass driven piece with haunting echo-laden vocals and subdued guitar.
Have to say this is a record for two different moods with each side reflecting very different approaches. If you’re in a later Cosmic Dead mood, side one is gonna fit that mood quite nicely. If you’re feeling a bit more into experimental electronics exploration, side two will fit the bill. A bit like two records in one, each side with its own merits.
Release date Dec 4th on Feeding Tube Records (USA) and Cardinal Fuzz (Europe) copies still available at Feeding Tube as of this writing.
