Hylé Tapes

The Brvtalist is proud to feature a new experimental electronic label from Paris called Hylé Tapes. This cassette only label's first release was on January 15th, 2015 from JuJu, a French duo of improvised electronic music. Since that time, Hylé has put out an impressive array of both homegrown and international artists. We were immediately drawn to the label's unique roster and commitment to experimentation. We also had the privilege of speaking to the label's founder/curator and he contributed an exclusive mix made up of all Hylé artists.

We also wanted to get some more information about the label, its mission, cassette culture in France and more. Richard, head of Hylé, shared some insightful thoughts:

In philosophy, hyle ("hylé" in French) (from Ancient Greek: ὕλη) refers to matter or "stuff". The Greeks originally had no word for matter in general, as opposed to raw material suitable for some specific purpose or other, so Aristotle adapted the word for "wood" to this purpose. The idea that everything physical is made of the same basic substance holds up well under modern science, although it may be thought of more in terms of energy or matter/energy.

I started Hylé Tapes at the end of 2014. As a musician, I wanted to create a label without waiting for months (or years) to release an album. I am a fan of vinyl records, but this medium has become very expensive to produce and there are always waiting lists for vinyl pressings. Cassette is a medium derived from my childhood, the object is beautiful and easy to produce. I can make a DIY production fast enough taking into account every single detail.

France has an amazing background concerning avant-garde and experimental music. There are labels like Celebration Tapes or THRHNDRDSVNTNN that do a great job and everyone should explore their catalogs.

Hylé Tapes is quite heterogeneous but there is a guiding light - experimental electronic music.

The Brvtalist would like to thank Hylé for an incredible mix and introducing us to a whole new world of experimental artists. JuJu, Acid Fountain and TAKAHIRO MUKAI have all been in heavy rotation since their discovery. We look forward to following this label and its already impressive output. For more information please visit Facebook, Bandcamp and Soundcloud.

The Brutalist Playground

Now on view at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), is a new exhibition by artist Simon Terrill and design collective Assemblage that shifts the focus of Brutalist architecture to the often overlooked play areas that exist at the foot of many of Britain's most notable structures. The Brutalist Playground is an interesting look at the intentions and functions of the architects who designed residential buildings that are still furiously debated today.

Balfron Tower playground, Poplar, London, 2015. Photograph by Simon Terrill/Assemble — Balfron Tower playground, Poplar, London, 2015. Photograph by Simon Terrill/Assemble

This is a fascinating examination of how much these structures were a product of their time. Many of the play areas consist of peculiar and odd items and several of the features would not be considered safe by the society's standards today. From crashed flying saucers to cruise-liner chimneys to hollow concrete boxes, the playgrounds were very representative of the political, social and cultural movements of the era in which they were constructed. It's also amazing to see how the ethos of Brutalism was carried out to every last detail. Raw materials like concrete and metal were exclusively used for many of these, and as the photos indicate, simply look uninviting and inhospitable.

The exhibition takes up the entire architectural gallery at RIBA, and as a special addition, design studio Assemblage has re-created some of the play areas indoors that children can actually use. However, instead of using concrete, they are made of foam and employ bright colors. Artist James Terrill remarks,

"We talked about using concrete, but it would have been impossible in a museum. And it would have been inappropriate for children to play on. So we used foam, which by coincidence has a very similar speckled look to bush-hammered concrete. The colours are standard issue, and relate to the density of the foam. Pink foam is denser than blue. The brutalist ethos was to expose the function of a building, and honour the truth of your materials. Brutalist playgrounds were a truth to concrete, ours is a truth to foam."

This is an amazing exhibition that immediately caught our eye. Brutalism continues to be a divisive architectural movement and this will no doubt only add to the debate. One thing is certain, it reaffirms that idea that Brutalist structures were honest and stayed true to the ideals of their creators. Function and materials were of the utmost importance and this was carried out in every last detail, which is something I always admire. On view in London until August 16th, 2015. For more information please visit RIBA.

-JRS

*click to enlarge

Clockwise from top left:

Park Hill estate, Sheffield, 1962. Photograph by Arch Press Archive/RIBA
Churchill Gardens estate, Pimlico, 1963. Photograph by John Maltby/RIBA
Churchill Gardens estate, Pimlico, 1956. Photograph by John Maltby/RIBA
Assemble and Simon Terrill’s playground at RIBA. Photograph by David Levene for the Guardian.
Assemble and Simon Terrill’s playground at RIBA. Photograph by David Levene for the Guardian.
Park Hill estate, Sheffield, 1963. Photograph by Arch Press Archive/RIBA

New Brvtalism No. 020 - Violet Poison

The touch of her skin makes you quiver. She is power. She is lust. She is addiction. A goddess is here to conquer you.

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Italy's Violet Poison. One of the most innovative, dynamic and subversive artists today, his body of work can only be described as prolific. Whether releasing material as a solo producer, or as a collaborator, as in his Violetshaped project, it continues to be some of our favorite proto-techno in the world today. He has released material on labels such as Bed of Nails, Hospital Productions, Haunted Air and his own imprint, Violet Poison. His latest release is titled "The Gaze", out on Candela Rising.

This is perhaps one of the most epic and conceptual New Brvtalism mixes to date. This is an all female band/artist mix - from experimental music from the 60's, rhythmic noise and vintage electronica, to synth-pop, darkwave, minimal wave, EBM, punk, acid, techno, italodisco, hi-nrg and j pop. Artists include Ruth White, Suzanne Ciani, Mushy, Anne Clark, Gina X, Tara Cross, Emily Faryna, Malaria!, Matador, Ericka Irganon, Helena Hauff, Xosar, Miss Djax, 51717, Doris Norton.

We thank Violet Poison for his incredible contribution to our series. For more information please visit Facebook and Soundcloud.

-JRS

Rynshu Spring/Summer 2016

On June 28th, 2015, the Maison des Métallos in Paris played host to Japanese designer Rynshu's Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Paris is arguably the premiere fashion week each season and it is seemingly pulling further and further away from the pack. While there are literally dozens of shows we could feature, Rynshu's collection stood out for many reasons.

If you have been following The Brvtalist (and progressive fashion in general), you would have noticed that unisex is a very popular theme. Perhaps it's in the zeitgeist as everything from marriage equality to transgender acceptance is in the news just about every day. Fashion always has a way of mirroring culture and the best designers always have their finger on the pulse. This collection from Rynshu took a bold step in creating a unisex appeal. He kept the designs both masculine and minimal while utilizing a powerful color to bridge the gender gap. The designer talks about his use of electric pink in the collection as a way of blurring the lines between mens and womenswear. Obviously pink is traditionally thought of as a feminine color but the hue presented here does a nice job of making it not so obvious. Set against stark black leathers and rugged boots, the line crafts a great balance of masculine and feminine looks. We also love the loose fitting shirts and flowing tails which exude comfort and elegance. Details like cutouts, prints and great looking ties put the finishing touches on a stellar collection.

Showing since 2008, Rynshu is part of a great field of Japenese designers that continues to look toward the future for inspiration. We look forward to more of his collections. For more information please visit Rynshu.com.

-JRS

*Photographs by Matteo Volta/Imaxtree.

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Axel Hoedt - "Dusk"

The Brvtalist is pleased to feature a new book published by Steidl titled "Dusk". Fine art and fashion photographer Axel Hoedt presents an incredible examination of carnival culture in southwestern Germany, and extends it into Austria and Switzerland. The idea behind the project is to undermine traditional carnival cliche's. "Dusk" represents the carnival's original purpose - a celebration before the dawning of hard times.

Hoedt utilizes his background in fashion and portrait photography to capture incredible moments and the emotions of the subjects. Do not expect ring masters, ballerinas and trapeze artists, "Dusk" travels deep into a world of another sort - one that holds great cultural, sociological and economic importance. Hoedt photographs the revelers in earnest poses, static against a bright background, in a forest or next to rural buildings, juxtaposing classic studio photography, Polaroid snapshots and still- life imagery.

We were instantly transfixed by these photographs. They have a very quiet, pensive feeling, while bursting with symbolization. "Dusk" builds upon the foundation that "Once a Year" (Steidl, 2013) laid. Published in two volumes, the series focuses on the figures and masks of pre-Lenten carnival festivities and the colorful, yet somber feeling that surrounds the participants. This is an amazing book that looks at both carnival culture and portraiture in a whole new way. Out now on Steidl.

-JRS

*click to enlarge

New Brvtalism No. 019 - Oil Thief

The bell tolls, ushering in a new era. One of darkness, decay and agony. You have lost your most prized possession - control.

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Los Angeles-based Oil Thief. Straddling the lines between techno, dark wave, noise and experimental, Oil Thief has crafted a unique, progressive sound that is instantly infectious. His debut 2xCS, "Obsolescence & Monality", came out this past spring on Chondritic Sound and the second press single cassette version is still available on the the label's webstore.

Oil Thief has recently finished a new EP, called "Undesire", that will be self-released on Centennial Apt. this summer. He is also currently working on several other releases for Chondritic Sound. Upcoming shows include Pehrspace in Los Angeles with DIN, Head Dress and Lower Tar on July 10th, and a European Tour with Hive Mind this October.

We could not be more pleased with the 19th edition of New Brvtalism. It's a brilliant showcase of then and now, and a journey through decades of technology and experimentation. For more information please visit: http://chondriticsound.bandcamp.com/album/obsolescence-monality.

-JRS

Andy Stott – Violence (Faith in Strangers/Modern Love)
Sisters of Mercy – Dominion/Mother Russia (Floodland/Merciful Release)
Burial – Archangel (Untrue/Hyperdub)
Exploring Jezebel – To Compensate, While The Average Lifespan Of A Male Will Be About 70 Years, Medical Advancements Will Make The Average Lifespan Of A Woman To Be About 750 Years. (On a Business Trip to London/Blackest Ever Black)
Body of Light – Limits of Reason (Limits of Reason/Ascetic House)
Pleasure Korps – Let Us Affix (Blessings/Nostilevo)
Dawn of Humans – Horse Blind (Slurping at the Cosmos Spine/Toxic State, La Vida Es Un Mus)
Renoire – Broken Tongue (Broken Tongue EP/Endangered Species)
Timeghost – Uber Orgone (Cellular/Chondritic Sound, Load)
Kangding Ray – Amber Decay (Solens Arc/Raster-Noton)
Pod Blotz – Feet in a Bag (Human Division/Nostilevo)
Raspberry Bulbs – Taken Apart (Nature Tries Again/Hospital Productions)
Pure Ground – Poison (Standard of Living/Chondritic Sound)
November Növelet – Magic (Magic/Galakthorrö)
Depeche Mode – A Question of Time (Black Celebration/Mute)
Have a Nice Life –Unholy Life (The Unnatural World/Flenser, Enemies List)
New Order – Leave Me Alone (Power Corruption & Lies/Factory)

Automat - "EMT140"

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new track by Automat titled "EMT140". This incredible composition is taken off the trio's new record, PLUSMINUS, out now on Bureau B. The group is comprised of industrial and proto-techno pioneers Jochen Arbeit (Einsturzende Neubaten), Achim Färber (Project Pitchfork, Prag), and Georg Zeitblom (Sovetskoe Foto). Their last album featured collaborations with Genesis P-Orridge, Lydia Lunch, and Blixa Bargeld. The new LP further explores the group's diverse musical background digging into everything from dub reggae to Detroit techno.

Almost all the tracks on the album are named after the sonic devices and effects units that were the focus during production: "EMT 140" is a two meter long reverb plate, and the track "H910" is a harmonizer Zeitblom spent almost ten years searching for. The result is a true musical odyssey of cinematic proportions. Listeners are immediately transported into lush soundscapes and beautiful, ambient environments. "EMT140" is a perfect example of the group's finely tuned, progressive use of unique technology and musical knowledge that is virtually unrivaled.

The Brvtalist had the privilege of speaking to the trio about the new record and they were gracious enough to share their thoughts:

The first record contains recordings from a two year period. The recording of PlusMinus took three days. We wanted to catch the moment, the spontanity and the freshness. All tracks are first take, plus some overdubs. No digital plug-ins were used, just analogue equipment. Not because it sounds more vintage, but because it sounds just better! When we enter the studio, we three bring our different musical influences into the session. But very important is the fact, that we forget about these influences the moment we press the record button! We play, we listen to each other, and most of all we trust each other!

We could not be more honored to premiere a track by a group whose members are truly part of the fabric of some of our favorite genres. Automat not only builds upon their already legendary careers, but ventures in to bold new areas that recall science fiction, art and even jazz. This is truly a masterful project that is not to be missed. For more information, please visit www.automatmusik.de and Bureau B.

-JRS

New Brvtalism No. 018 - Human Traffic

Trapped inside of a world with no exit, your former existence still glimmers. You are called to the light but pulled the opposite way. This is your home now. Accept your new life.

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Kansas-City based Human Traffic. We premiered their incredible track, "Morgue Witch", back in March and have continued to love the project. New Brvtalism No. 018 is released on the eve of the group's latest tour, which includes stops in Denver, Las Vegas (for American Gabberfest), Tijuana and Austin. The mix is a carefully constructed blend of brvtal industrial, techno, experimental and more. I love the group's unique sound of post-indstustrial suicide pop and their live experience continues to impress. For more information check out:

Die Form - Deep Skin Randomer - Fun in the Sun Journeyman Trax - Inside Foba - Drop Down Barks - Fuori Muori (Ayarcana Remix) Ontario Hospital - Consumer Report NHK - Entire Set 2 Victoria Kim - Apgu Freeway (Rushmore Remix) Lucy Cliche - Passing Time J. Tijn - Kanon Atrax Morgue - Corrupted Plack Blague - Boyz Club (Human Traffic Remix)

Yayoi Kusama - Infinity Theory

Now on the view at the newly opened, Rem Koolhaas-designed, Garage Contemporary Art Museum in Moscow, is acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Theory". This is Kusama's first solo show in Russia and a truly incredible feat. Visitors are immersed inside unique environments that extend from inside the museum out in to beautiful Gorky Park.

Two of Kusama's stunning installations are Guidepost to the Eternal Space (2015) and Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013). Guidepost has the audience gather inside an environment in which white polka dots on a red background cover walls and structures, forming an outlandish, surreal landscape, confusing viewers’ perception and spatial orientation. Infinity consists of a room with mirrored walls filled with thousands of small lights, which appear as pulsating dots. These are infinitely reflected in the mirrors to create an illusory cosmos, which is experienced by a lone viewer, enabling each visitor to momentarily get lost in Kusama’s mesmerizing world.

Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013) — *Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away* (2013)

Also included in the show is Walking Piece (1966), one of Kusama’s earliest works. This is a slide show which portrays the artist walking the streets of New York in a traditional Japanese kimono with a parasol. Outside of the museum, Kusama extends her brilliance beyond the traditional gallery walls and has created Ascension of Polkadots on the Trees, a project that Kusama has shown in various public spaces around the world. In Gorky Park, trees in avenue will be wrapped in red cloth decorated with white polka dots. The museum notes that:

Kusama’s obsession with creating works using colored dots have their roots in the artist’s psyche, wherein hallucinations have haunted her since her childhood. In her memoirs, she recalls sometimes seeing the pattern in paintings spilling over the edges of the canvas to envelop her and everything around her, dissolving her inner self in the outside world. Later, she would use this perceptual experience, which shifts boundaries between fact and illusion, the real and the imaginary, to create works in a variety of media, from drawing, painting, and installation to sculpture, video, and performance.

Kasuma is an artist that has won critical acclaim since the 1980's. Her works have been shown around the world, from Japan to Paris to New York City. Her retrospectives contains hundreds of pieces and her output continues to be prolific. We love her infusion of Japanese surrealism and cutting edge psyche into Russia's newest and most progressive museum. The fact that she is finally showing in Russia is not surprising seeing as though the country has quickly evolved into a classic and modern art powerhouse. The Garage Museum, founded by Russian businesswoman, art collector and magazine editor, Dasha Zhukov is itself an impressive accomplishment. Founded in 2008, the institution was based in a temporary pavilion in Gorky Park created specifically for Garage by architect Shigeru Ban. Just this month, the Museum moved to its first permanent home — a groundbreaking renovation of the famous 1960s Vremena Goda (Seasons of the Year) pavilion in Gorky Park — designed by famed architect Rem Koolhaas. For more information please visit Garage Museum.

-JRS

Images courtesy of Garage Museum. *Click to enlarge.

From left: Ascension of Polkadots on the Trees, Yayoi Kusama, Walking Piece

THE LAST CONSPIRACY A/W 2015

Many say the most important item you wear are the shoes on your feet. They not only serve as protection, but also say a ton about the wearer. Considered footwear is something very important to The Brvtalist. That's why when we came across Denmark-based THE LAST CONSPIRACY, we immediately gravitated toward their designs, ethos and craftsmanship.

THE LAST CONSPIRACY set out to provide quality artisan footwear, items withstanding any test of time, imbued by the sense of history. Each pair is handmade with profound attention to details, thus imprinted with a personal connection between shoemaker and wearer. This selective process is conducted with patience, willfulness and mindful purpose. Against a contrasting backdrop shaped by a continuous dialogue between Portuguese craftsmanship and Nordic minimalism.Each collection is based on progress and a forward-thinking mentality. Authentic craftsman come first, and designers second. This creates and incredible balance of functionality and form.

The Brvtalist is honored to feature the brand's A/W 2015 collection. Staying true to previous collections while continuing to move forward, TLC's boots continue to be some of our favorites on the market today. We were fortunate enough to speak with the brand about this collection and they provided this insightful description:

As the grayness intensifies, dark decks of clouds reach the North. Muted shadows patrol the abandoned pavements. The season of silence is here. At times like these, we observe before we react. Simply exhale and ponder.

For AW15, THE LAST CONSPIRACY explores the foundation of the last. Centered around construction rules, this is a powerful shoemakers instrument, abreast with historic connotations. Our Nordic heritage brings forth a sense of functionality and tactile simplicity. Onto this, the discerning atelier adds knowledge, contemporary industrialism and intelligent tradition to each pair we bring forth.

Our profound commitment to novel expression, led us to reinvigorate handmade norwegian stitching, crafty goodyear welts, asymmetric lampo zips, stern vibram soles and slightly pointed vintage lasts. Patina is restrained, underlining the sturdy durability of our trotters. To develop this further, textured natural horse and yak leathers are molded by hand, to create singular pairs, unique in their expression. For a dose of effortless chic, artisanal sneakers have been crafted, maintained in underplayed gray, deep black and crisp white.

Straightforward unrestricted advancement. Noting the unique bond between shoemaker and wearer, forged deeply over time, through sensory exploration.

The images above and below are all part of THE LAST CONSIRACY's A/W 2015 product line. The details are unrivaled and we love features like diagonal zippers and striking heels for women. All of the footwear exudes luxury, functionality and cutting-edge design, something that is not easily accomplished. We would like to thank THE LAST CONSPIRACY for contributing these images and text for our feature. Also, a special thanks to Marlo Saalmink. For more information please visit: www.thelastconspiracy.com, Facebook and Instagram.

-JRS

*click images to enlarge

Photographer: Lisbeth Breland Saalmink