Background/Info:
Cold Spring Records is
one of the ‘oldest’ and most recognized labels from the dark-underground scene.
Dealing with styles such as industrial-, experimental, dark-ambient, ritual
music and a few other related genres, the British label celebrates its 250th
release by a massive compilation featuring 29 bands and tracks.
Artists: Merzbow / Genesis Breyer
P-Orridge, Penny Rimbaud, Nytt Land, Psychic TV, Coil, MZ.412, Zeni Geva &
Steve Albini, C.3.3., Coil + Zos Kia + Marc Almond, Tunnels Of Ah ao.
Content:
This is the perfect
compilation to get familiarized with the sound Cold Spring is dealing with. A
sound that has been always extreme and this for being miles away from
commercial standards and fashion trends. Cold Spring Records is a label with a
truly spirit and that’s probably the reason why such an important number of
talented-, visionary- and recognized artists have signed to Justin Mitchell’s
record company.
“Earthen” brings you an
impressive canvas of artists and styles, but is mainly a way to get familiar
–or simply rediscovering, tracks taken from the latest releases on the label.
There’s just one previously unreleased song and that’s one from Coil.
+ + + :
When you simply have a
look at the tracklist you can only, but admit Cold Spring feels like the sonic
cave of Ali Baba. We all will have our favorites, but I recommend the
dark-ambient format made by Mz.412, the industrial-ambient of She Spread
Sorrow, the industrial/noise experiments of Merzbow / Genesis Breyer P-Orridge,
the pagan-ritual style of Nytt Land, the apocalyptic rock of Jotunspor, the
industrial work of C.3.3. and even the kind of heavenly final track by Barry
Adamson + Pan Sonic + The Hafler Trio. And of course there’s this exclusive
song (cf. “Spastische (Trumpo)” by Coil, which sounds as industrial-jazz.
– – – :
You really have to be an
‘experienced’ listener of extreme music genres to like this kind of
compilation. Speaking for myself I think it’s a great sampler, but I regret
–and especially for a celebration release, it has been not something more
special; like bands featuring exclusive tracks.
Conclusion:
Cold Spring feels like a
relief for music lovers who’re listening to music others have never heard of.
“Earthen” sounds as sweet noise for extreme music lovers!
Best bands:
Mz.412, Nytt Land, She
Spread Sorrow, Tunnels Of Ah, Common Eider King Eider, C.3.3., Penny Rimbaud,
Merzbow / Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.
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