The Merzbow Archive Series by Slowdown Records, launched in 2018, has compiled unreleased/unearthed recordings chronologically since 1979, when Merzbow began. Fifteen chapters (each chapter consisting of six CDs) have been published so far, and the archive will conclude with the 16th chapter, the CD box "New Ear Control". This box contains six albums of Merzbow's 2016-2017 recordings, all of which are one-shot recordings with no editing or overdubs, allowing the listener to enjoy Merzbow's raw charm.
"Lacrima" was released as Disc 2 of "New Ear Control". This work contains material from the same period as "Hyakki Echo" (Dirter Promotions, 2017). It was produced with Granular Synthesis computer software, and is clearly different in style from works from the same period that use gadget synths, drone machines, and self-made instruments. The first track, "Amadare," which means "Raindrop" in Japanese, alludes to the similarity of natural phenomena to the unbridled pouring of finely shredded guitars, drums, piano, and other sounds. It is one of the most eccentric of Merzbow's works, and his heaviest listeners will be surprised.
yorosz (aka Shuta Hiraki)
credits
released December 23, 2023
All Music by Masami Akita
Recorded & mixed at Munemihouse, Tokyo April 2017.
Mastered in June 2022.
Yasuyuki Nakamura (slowdown records) : A&R
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