“Tetsuo : The Iron Man” is a film that has been an influence on countless noise and industrial artists, so for a different style episode, we cover this legendary Japanese film. Metal fetish, sexual obsession and pure do-it-yourself underground aesthetics place this movie firmly in the Noisextra world. For many people, this was their first taste of Japanese extremity, for two Noisextra hosts this is their first time watching. How did they feel? Pierce your thigh with a metal rod and find out.
It’s time for another legendary noise VHS viewing with “Good Alchemy Video.” A mandatory visual document, we get classic footage of Masonna, Incapacitants, Merzbow, Solmania, and Hijokaidan. The explosive excitement of these performances infect us and anyone who pops this in their VCR. Adjust your tracking and prepare for the glory of noise.
An absolute classic VHS called for our first in-person episode in a long time as we all got together to watch “Kingdom of Noise: Japanese Noise Selection.” Truly mandatory viewing for everyone, it was great to revisit as these clips were some of the first noise visuals we saw back in the 90s. This tape is a perfect showcase of the breadth of Japanese noise featuring Masonna, Merzbow, Seed Mouth, Incapacitants, and much more. A mandatory look into extreme history.
Break into the Nakamatsu Ironworks Ruins with Einsturzende Neubauten in the classic music film “Halber Mensch.” Neubauten has been a gateway band for innumerable noise artists and fans, with this legendary VHS being a huge touchstone. From a site specific performance to videos to live concert footage, “Halber Mensch” perfectly showcases the deconstructed world of Einsturzende Neubauten.
Class is in session for another noise history lesson. For our first episode on a film, we sat down with Crank Sturgeon to watch and discuss Voice Crack’s “Kick That Habit” film, directed by Peter Lietchi. Our talk jumps back and forth from the film to the early days of Crank’s involvement in noise. Topics include his introduction to, and working with, Ron Lessard, travels to the UK and playing with Smell & Quim, and the importance of ’90s noise VHS.