The Brutal World of "Noise Music"

Summary

The video script explores the world of noise music through the lens of Japanese artist MERS Bo's 1996 album 'Pulse Demon'. Described as an intense auditory experience, akin to an underwater jet on full blast, the album is both revered and polarizing within the noise music scene. The video delves into the history of noise music, the artist's background, and the unique appeal of 'Pulse Demon', highlighting its live recording style and influence from death metal and grindcore. The script also reflects on the personal impact of noise music, suggesting it as a form of auditory cleansing and a retreat from daily stress.

Takeaways

• 🎵 'Pulse Demon' is an album by Japanese noise artist MERS Bo, released in 1996, known for its intense and abrasive sound.
• 🌊 The album is often described as an underwater jet in a Jacuzzi turned up a thousand times, indicating its overwhelming nature.
• 🎧 The first-time listening experience to 'Pulse Demon' is likely to be confusing and possibly off-putting due to its harsh noise.
• 👂 Noise music can be challenging to appreciate, especially for those new to the genre, as it often lacks traditional musical elements.
• 📚 The script provides a brief history of noise music, tracing back to the 1910s with Luigi Russolo and the Futurist movement.
• 🎼 Masami Ikeda, known as MERS Bo, has a significant influence on the noise music scene, with a massive discography including hundreds of recordings.
• 🔥 'Pulse Demon' gained attention in the West due to its release on Relapse Records, a label known for death metal and grindcore.
• 🏆 The album is considered a classic by fans and has received high praise for its composition and impact on the noise genre.
• 🎹 'Pulse Demon' was recorded live in the studio without overdubs, showcasing MERS Bo's raw and powerful sound.
• 👂🏻 Listening to 'Pulse Demon' can be a palate cleanser for the ears, allowing for a more refined appreciation of other music afterwards.
• 🧘‍♂️ The script suggests that noise music, including 'Pulse Demon', can be therapeutic and a way to clear the mind of distractions.

Q & A

What is the album 'Pulse Demon' by MERS Bo known for in the noise music genre?

The album 'Pulse Demon' is known for being one of the most classic and essential releases in the noise music scene, characterized by its harsh, loud, and abrasive sound, and for being released by the Japanese noise artist MERS Bo who has obtained an almost legendary status among fans.

How is the experience of listening to 'Pulse Demon' described by the speaker?

The speaker describes the initial experience of listening to 'Pulse Demon' as overwhelming and confusing, with the music being loud, obnoxious, and harsh. However, after multiple listens, the speaker developed a new appreciation for the album and its impact on their music listening experience.

What is the historical significance of noise music, according to the script?

Noise music has a dense history tracing back to the 1910s with Luigi Russolo, an Italian futurist artist, who created noise-generating devices and a noise orchestra. The genre evolved significantly in the 1980s in Japan, which became a pivotal influence in the current noise music scene.

Who is Masami Aikido, and what is his significance in the noise music scene?

Masami Aikido, known as MERS Bo in the noise world, is a Japanese noise artist born in Tokyo in the 1950s. He has been a significant contributor to the noise music scene since the early 1980s, with a massive discography including hundreds of recordings, collaborations, and guest appearances.

What was unique about the recording process of 'Pulse Demon' compared to MERS Bo's other works?

Unlike other works where MERS Bo used overdubs and was often under the influence of alcohol, 'Pulse Demon' was recorded fully live in the studio with no overdubs and while MERS Bo was sober, resulting in a pure and vicious sound.

Why does the speaker believe 'Pulse Demon' is often the first thing that comes up when searching for MERS Bo?

The speaker believes 'Pulse Demon' stands out because it was released at a time when MERS Bo was being exposed to a Western audience, and it was released on a label known for death metal and grindcore, which helped it reach a wider audience.

What effect does the speaker find 'Pulse Demon' has on their listening to other music?

The speaker finds that after listening to 'Pulse Demon', they have a more refined appreciation for each individual sound or instrument in a song, as if the extreme noise has reset their ears and allowed them to notice details they might have missed before.

How does the speaker describe the experience of listening to noise music as a retreat?

The speaker describes noise music as a musical retreat that clears the head, demanding the listener's attention and forcing them to focus solely on the sounds presented, which can be therapeutic and help release the mind from real-world stresses.

What is the speaker's personal takeaway from the experience of listening to 'Pulse Demon'?

The speaker finds 'Pulse Demon' to be a palate cleanser for their music listening experience, allowing them to appreciate other music more after being exposed to the extreme sounds of noise music. They also find it to be a form of meditation that helps them clear their mind.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of their relationship with noise music?

The speaker suggests that they will continue to explore noise music, including 'Pulse Demon', as a form of therapeutic retreat, expecting to find more value and understanding with each revisit to the genre.