From: http://unlistenablemusic.blogspot.com/
BEREFT - TOUGH MAN 7" (BLOODLUST!)
Tough little PE record from a few years back, showcasing a different BEREFT lineup without the current presence of Andrew Grant, instead featuring additional electronics by someone named Dan Fox from a project called LOSS. Beautiful white vinyl that runs at 33 rpm, the A-side "Tough Man" features high-end feedback (something that always sounds so beautiful when pressed onto vinyl) with Peter Lee's threatening vocal snarling about a "five year plan." Strange, otherworldly electronic hooks fade in from the distance, weird sounds that stay in the background but add an additional drama to the sound of the record. B-side, "Religious Leaders" sounds more like the throbbing and lurching BEREFT sound of their recent material, with piercing high end electronic noise jutting in at times. Strong and crunchy production once again sounds fantastic on this nice looking white record. Cryptic and sparse artwork, this record remains impressive upon repeated listens. A killer slice of early BEREFT sound abuse.
BEREFT - YOUR MESSIAH WILL FAIL CD (BLOODLUST!)
For those hoping that new American President Barack Obama would bring hope and change, New England Power Electronics unit BEREFT is here to tell you that "Your Messiah Will Fail." This CD is incredible, and light-years ahead of the other recent releases by the group (aside from possibly their split LP with FIRE IN THE HEAD which I have yet to hear), this release finds the perfect fusion of BEREFT's interest in dark and atmospheric electronics with a strong and unique American PE vocal delivery. Strong snarled vocals over very powerful industrial synth and noise work gives this work a very unique feel, this release in particular bring the BEREFT sound into a 90s European death industrial sort of sound, which is enjoying a very welcome comeback in the world of modern PE. Strong and thundering drums are used at several points to very strong effect, sometimes bringing to mind a fusion of PE, death industrial, and Neo-folk influence. The title track in particular has an extremely intense buildup with powerful payoff as the final seven minutes or so of the 15 minute track sound like the coming of Armageddon- war drums, harsh electronics, and what sounds like a recording of Tibetan Monks calling on the mighty savior Gompo with horns made out of human thighbones. Back to a blistering synth sound on "Just One Bullet," as the sound of a crackling synthesizer note is carried through many different variations in texture and sound, all with a destructive and unstoppable crackling harshness. BEREFT has a very high-tech sound that is easy on the ears but still bludgeoningly brutal. Another element in this music, in the basic construction and performance, is a tasteful influence coming from a hardcore punk background and interest that keeps the subject matter and composition of the songs firmly anchored in the real world. Much of the sound is based on percussive blasts of repetitive minimal electronics, but the sound is always very carefully crafted and specific. Very cool PE release that rides the line between cold and harsh Industrial electronics with very definite modern PE elements, bringing them together for a compelling hour of destruction.
MASTURBATORY DYSFUNCTION - GETTING CAUGHT CD (BLOODLUST!)
Interesting project from the West coast aimed around sneaking into Guitar Center and recording personal demonstrations on the sly. Recordings are all of full-volume synth blasts and sometimes long and meditative Death Industrial cold synth sort of feel. Interesting theme, and kudos to Bloodlust for giving a voice to this unconventional and frankly very strange project that is definitely worth a listen. Worth picking up for the curiousity of it, but also for the most part very atmospheric and pleasant synth work with a very dark overall theme.
