ALBUM REVIEW: Keiji Haino & Sumac, “American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On”

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/02/2018

Label: Thrill Jockey

“American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On” demonstrates there is chemistry between Keiji Haino and Sumac that results in dark magic and although the lack of structure and orchestrated riffage is initially disorientating, once immersed in the intense atmosphere of this unpredictable ride there is no turning back. 

“American Dollar Bill...” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On

2). What have I Done? (I Was Reeling In Something White and I Became Able to do Anything I Made a Hole Imprisoned Time Within it Created Friction Stopped Listening to Warnings Ceased Fixing my Errors Made the Impossible Possible? Turned Sadness Into Joy) Pt. 1

3). I'm Over 137% A Love Junkie And Still It's Not Enough Pt. 1

4). I'm Over 137% A Love Junkie And Still It's Not Enough Pt. 2

5). What have I Done? (I Was Reeling In Something White and I Became Able to do Anything I Made a Hole Imprisoned Time Within it Created Friction Stopped Listening to Warnings Ceased Fixing my Errors Made the Impossible Possible? Turned Sadness Into Joy) Pt. 

The Review:

The jagged opening of “Image Of Control”from Sumac’s incredible “What One Becomes” LP hinted at an interest in more chaotic realms of musical expression. It’s no surprise to see they have found a kindred spirit in Keiji Haino, a veteran of free improvisation and explorer of the outer limits of noise. “American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On” documents the results of the meeting of these two sonic heavyweights for a session of unrehearsed, improvised mayhem in Tokyo.

While undoubtedly heavy, the five tracks that make up this LP sit more in Haino’s usual domain rather than Sumac’s. Coming at it as a fan of the latter, the lack of structure and orchestrated riffage is initially disorientating but once immersed in the intense atmosphere of this unpredictable ride there is no turning back.

The title track is a 20 minute rollercoaster of shifting moods where both parties bring their own distinct essence to the table. Aaron Turner provides guitar that builds from disembodied ominous chords to pillars of furious noise and back again while Brian Cook rides the shifting waves with rumbling bass. Nick Yacyshyn demonstrates his mastery of the kit continues outside of his usual style, relishing the opportunity to freak out with bursts of octopus-limbed rolls and providing more subtle accompaniment during ambient passages. The most striking element in all of this is Haino’svocal performance. From intense muttering to impassioned barking, Haino covers a startling range of sound that encompasses inhuman squeals and howls that are particularly unsettling against the unexpected calm at the centre of the track.

Parts 1 and 2 of “What have I Done? (I Was Reeling In Something White and I Became Able to do Anything I Made a Hole Imprisoned Time Within it Created Friction Stopped Listening to Warnings Ceased Fixing my Errors Made the Impossible Possible? Turned Sadness Into Joy)” are slabs of full tilt insanity with each player thrashing their instrument to within an inch of its life. Each one breaks down into a stuttering groove that threatens to coerce into a riff but collapses back into noise-ridden uncertainty once more.

Part 1 of “I'm Over 137% A Love Junkie and Still It's Not Enough Pt. I” is the closest this record comes to a standard track. Haino and Sumaccreate a warped lullaby that sits somewhere between a jazzy shuffle and a slowcore lament. The bizarre vocals complete the otherworldly feel, as if the players were providing the music behind the red curtains in the Black Lodge. Part 2 erupts into a pummelling racket that comes across like broken grindcore before falling back into the weird ambience of Part 1.

“American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On”demonstrates there is a strange chemistry between Keiji Hainoand Sumac that results in dark magic. Hopefully another meeting is on the cards soon to see how far they can push into the beyond.

“American Dollar Bill - Keep Facing Sideways, You're Too Hideous To Look At Face On”

is available here

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