Sperme Noir - A Perfect Moment [Nahash Atrym Productions - 2015] | This cdr release, on the now-established label Nahash Atrym Productions, comes in an oversized card insert and bag. The artwork is cleanly designed and potentially iconic, but the thirty-two minute track it contains is less noteworthy. Sperme Noir are a duo, listed as: ‘Denis Theval : analog synth, pedal effect’ and ‘Szymkowiak Joseph : metal plate, pedal effects’. ‘A Perfect Moment’ operates in an area between hnw and ‘straighter’ noise territory. To some extent, these two boundaries even provide a simple division between the duo. Put most simply, the basic sound consists of a synth drone, with added noise and feedback from the metal plate set-up. The drone is bass-driven and wind-like, stormy; its often very representative of the low drones to be found underpinning harsh noise walls. Here, though, it stands on its own; billowing and squalling in constant movement - but with a distinct ‘wash-like’ quality, and only potential grit. This ‘nakedness’, in comparison with the bass drone of a stereotypical wall, is accentuated by its loudness in the mix; at points very much smothering the metal work. Supplementing the hnw-esque drone, the metal plate is used in a more conventional ‘noise’ manner; with feedback, delayed shrieks and more concentrated noise abuse. The main issue is that, as I mentioned before, it is somewhat hidden under the drone - and I can’t help but feel that those positions should be reversed. As it stands, the mix creates a definitely unusual sound, but not a good one - to my ears. I do think that Sperme Noir can create something really great with their set-up - but this isn’t it. Even if I really crank the volume, the drone still acts as a blanket over the track; smothering any sharp edges and negating the abrasiveness of the metal work. They just doesn’t sit well together. Regardless, I will look out for future recordings, because its an intriguing pairing. Martin P
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