SONIC MASALA: Troublesome Noises of Dystopia

Monday, 4 March 2013

Troublesome Noises of Dystopia

I'm not expecting everyone to like the churning free-jazz psychotics that take free reign on Distopia, the latest record by Italian trio Noise of Trouble (out through Brigadisco Records). In fact, there will be some of you that hate this, casting it off as either nascent pretension or bilious noise. I will respectfully disagree however - the saxophone/bass/drums onslaught is a free-range excursion into off-kilter dynamics, crafting some amazing instrumental experiments in the process. I like the most formed tracks the most (the feverish 'Genoa', whilst 'Diaz' is Shellac-like dirge tension - with horns), yet there is merit to be found in the more out-there numbers, such as spoken words 'Go Ghost Boy' (with the Italian narrator so close to the microphone you can hear his lips smack) and the lengthy minimalism of 'Dystopia #1 (interview with Giovanna Marini)'. The album reflects on a tumultuous decade, culminating in the killing of Carlo Giuliani during the manifestation of the G8 summit in Genoa. With such knowledge laid out in front of the listener, and naming the album Distopia, it is clear that this is an angry record, despite the occasional (and possibly unintentional) quirk of the slap bass becoming parodic (like on 'Ode To The Impatient').

Regardless, Distopia is an intriguing, groove heavy, heavily executed record that is incredibly well put together. Definitely check it out - you can get it here - you don't get experimental rock much like this (and to this quality).

Noise of Trouble - Genoa
Noise of Trouble - Diaz

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About

It was early on a Sunday morning at ATP - A Nightmare Before Christmas 2009. After downing a fair few, at 4am we decided to cook a curry. It was during the consumption of this drunkenly delicious breakfast treat that we decided to actually do something about the music we talk about all the time.

So we started a blog – and Sonic Masala was born. Now into its seventh year, the blog has spread out to call both Australia and the UK its home (and the rest of the world), and has expanded to include gigs, festivals and a record label under its black umbrella. Come on, eat the noize.

If an mp3 is up here, it's because we have been talking about it, and think the whole world needs to know more. It's there to give you a little taste. Then, if you like, check out the band live and spend all your hard earned cash on their records. If we've posted up an mp3 of your stuff and you're not too keen on the idea, let us know and we'll happily take it down pronto.