Browse by Artist: CLOAKS

Artist:	CLOAKS
Title:	Versus Grain
Label:	3BY3 (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.50
Catalog #:	3BY3 002CD

This is the debut full-length release by Cloaks. Following on from their highly-praised, much sought-after Hi Tek EP on Werk Discs, Versus Grain is a cold and challenging assault on the senses from these UK dubstep-destroyers. To say that Cloaks are swimming against the tide would be something of an understatement; as opposed to offering the listener a "breath of fresh air," they have created a sound so dense, it's closer to giving them a boot to the face. Stemming from initial ideas of experimentation with found sounds and primitive sound sources, the music of Cloaks suggests a kind of "use once and destroy" ethos. The tracks found on Versus Grain were pulled from the wreckage of hours of studio experiments -- articulate in design, yet captured with a sense of urgency. Housed within their structures is a destructive impulse that recalls the work of Einstürzende Neubauten as much as it does the dark hooks of Burial. This, as you may have gathered, is a confrontational sound. Emerging from the murk of low analog sludge, the opening track "#00148" sets the tone for the album; a rolling barrage of unrelenting bass-shake, a dark-stepping sound unlike anything else; it's as if every kick drum and hi-hat serves, for a split second, to hold back an endless tide of digital feedback. Versus Grain is 35 unrelenting minutes of battering beats; layer upon layer of sound, dense walls of screaming sonic dirge, decaying static and brutally metallic beats. Circuit-bending is a fundamental part of the process -- by shorting out parts of the circuitry in the equipment used, the sound sources become mutilated to extreme and devastating effect. The randomization of the outputted sound makes for a truly unique ear-fucking. Killer beats are matched to piercing tones and harsh waves of static, which gives Cloaks' aggressive style the potential to be played out in both dubstep and metal clubs alike. Their live performances to date have been scarce due to the fact that creating this music tends to leave a lot of equipment and eardrums irreparably damaged. Versus Grain is for fans of extreme music as much as it is for fans of heavy dub, but from the outset it is clear that Cloaks do not sit comfortably within either genre, or any other for that matter -- this is the new broken sound. Cloaks use noise as a weapon, and it really, really hurts.

Artist:	CLOAKS
Title:	Versions Grain
Label:	3BY3 (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	3BY3 008CD

The 3by3 label returns to unveil its most anticipated release to date, Versions Grain -- remixes and versions of tracks from Cloaks' 2009 debut album Versus Grain (3BY3 002CD), where the label began. Nine heavyweight industrial workouts featuring contributions from guest remixers Ancient Methods and Legion Of Two, alongside the entire 3by3 roster -- JK Flesh (aka Justin Broadrick of Godflesh, Palesketcher and Jesu), Dead Fader, Devilman, Oyaarss and Volt Music. The inimitable Ancient Methods emerge for the first time on CD, providing a 9-minute slab of industrial techno bass weight to get folks dancing like they mean it. Planet Mu's Legion Of Two make their first appearance since their 2009 album Riffs, adding their distinctive sound of live drums and tough electronics. New 3by3 signing JK Flesh gets his first label outing. Yet another project from the insanely prolific Justin Broadrick, providing just a taste of what to expect from the forthcoming album. Dead Fader return to home listening format following their 2010 debut album Corrupt My Examiner and a succession of international live shows. Latvian producer Oyaarss puts his unique spin on "Sixmenace Two," promising a lot from his debut full-length. Also opening their 3by3 account is Devilman, featuring Shige Ishihara (DJ Scotch Egg/Seefeel) and Gorgonn (Dokkebi Q), finally making their release debut. Carl Cloaks' solo project Volt Music also gets a first airing and Cloaks offer up two alternative cuts that didn't make the album. A killer remix package in its own right, but also an excellent step forward for the 3by3 label, providing an indication of things to come from its roster over the next 18 months.

Previous Page Index of Artists Next Page