Controlled Bleeding
Headcrack
Sterile Records (UK) 1986
SR11 (LP)
sleeve : EX+(SOC)
media : VG+/EX+(A2:some light noise due to a small pressing error)
Released in 1986 by Controlled Bleeding, an experimental noise band formed in Boston, USA in 1978 and active in New York City, on Sterile Records, a UK label run by Nigel Ayers (known for his unit Nocturnal Emissions with Caroline K). Although the group has a strong image of industrial/noise music, they also practice an ambient style. However, the group also practices an ambient style, and this is one of the albums where that style comes out most strongly. They also play hard noisy experimental music in the same vein as their other works, and deep drone ambient with gothic religious undertones, but the contrast between the shimmering arpeggios of the chiming synthesizers and the extended synthesizer pads is just beautiful. The contrast between the shimmering chiming synthesizer arpeggios and the expansive synthesizer pads is simply beautiful on A2, B1 opens with an industrial intro that evolves into a floating psychedelic minimal ambient with a hint of exoticism, and the effectual electric guitar refrain is intoxicating in a Manuel Gottsching-like way. B2/B6, and B4, which is tossed around by trippy synthesizer arpeggios, are the best of the best, so please give them a listen.
A2: