Côte&Ciel F/W 2015

The Brvtalist is pleased to present the Fall/Winter 2015 collection from Paris' Côte&Ciel. A minimal and utilitarian brand, they are responsible for some of our favorite bags over the past few years. With an undoubtedly luxury feel, Côte&Ciel continues to redefine shapes, colors and materials in the world of accessories. Their latest collection continues to build on their impressive repertoire of bags and even adds new colors and patterns. From full cowhide leather and coated canvas, to woven herringbone and memory tech fabric, this season's offerings are versatile as they are functional. Please find some of our favorites below:

backpack_ganges_small_cote_ciel_store_1240x1754_optic_5.jpg

For information and purchasing please visit the brand's official website.

-JRS

Dan Flavin: Corners, Barriers and Corridors

Now on view at New York's David Zwirner Gallery, light and space master Dan Flavin's Corners, Barriers and Corridors. Using works from the late 60's and early 70's, David Zwirner has assembled an impressive exhibition that focuses specifically on corner, barrier and corridor installations. Since the early 1960's, when Flavin used a single fluorescent bulb placed diagonally on the wall, until his death in 1996, he has pioneered space altering works that use commercially available florescent lighting. Flavin's 1973 show at the St. Louis Art Museum is used as a departure point for the current exhibition and the gallery stays true to the beautiful thematic works while giving it a modern update.

greens crossing greens (to Piet Mondrian who lacked green), 1966Green fluorescent lightPhoto courtesy of Stephen Flavin© 2015 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York — *greens crossing greens (to Piet Mondrian who lacked green),* 1966
Green fluorescent light
Photo courtesy of Stephen Flavin
© 2015 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

California light and space artists have long been a favorite of The Brvtalist. We particularly love Flavin's use of minimalism and his ability to almost confuse the viewer by using geometry and strategic placement of objects. His ability to use light as a way to completely alter a space is uncanny and he has always referenced other forms of art and architecture and incorporated them in to his works.

untitled (to a man, George McGovern) 2, 1972Warm white fluorescent light© 2015 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York — *untitled (to a man, George McGovern) 2,* 1972
Warm white fluorescent light
© 2015 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

David Zwirner Gallery has had a long tradition of focusing on these amazing exhibitions (see the groundbreaking Primary Atmospheres) and this show only adds to their impressive list. Minimalism, light and space are all things that The Brvtalist is constantly exploring and we were thrilled to see this exhibition come up. Flavin's works undoubtedly stimulate the senses and immediately put the viewer in a while new environment. If you are in New York, this is a must see. For more information please visit David Zwirner.

-JRS

Dan Flavin, untitled (to Virginia Dwan) 1, 1971. © 2015 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), — Dan Flavin, untitled (to Virginia Dwan) 1, 1971. © 2015 Stephen Flavin/Artists Rights Society (ARS),

New Brvtalism No. 028

Senses are numbed by pain and you desperately seek to be elsewhere. Time becomes incalculable. Punishment begins now.

The Brvtalist is pleased to present New Brvtalism No. 028 - Blush Response. An American now dwelling in Berlin, this project is far and away one of our favorites for brvtal, industrial inspired techno and dark experimental soundscapes. Since the latest record, "Future Tyrants", was released on Aufnahme + Wiedergabe , it has been on steady rotation just about everywhere. This edition of New Brvtalism continues this punishing theme, and you can expect evil techno with traces of noise, death industrial and more. For more Blush Response visit Soundcloud, Facebook and Bandcamp.

-JRS

Track list:
Perc - Change to Win - Perc Trax
Paula Temple - Deathvox - R & S Records
AnD- Power Spectrum [O/H Remix] - Electric Deluxe
Phase Fatale - Grain - Aufnahme + Wiedergabe
Ontal - EMR - RDL47 Records
Huren - Ordet - Zhark Recordings
Perc - Gruel - Perc Trax
Blush Response - Seven Rays - Aufnahme + Wiedergabe
Uncto - It [Ancient Methods Remix] - Furanum Records
Download - Wavestation Phug - Sub-Conscious Communications
Covered in Sand - Luarica - Mira
Headless Horseman - Battle Hill - Headless Horseman
Violet Poison - Voices from the Hell - Hospital Productions
Orphx - Vanishing Point - Sonic Groove
Kareem - Jet Set [Northern Structures Mix] - Overdraw
COIL - Fire of the Green Dragon - Threshold House
Download - Base Metal - Sub-Conscious Communications
Regis - Get on Your Knees - Downwards
Zosima - Siberia - Noiztank
Converter - Blast Furnace - Ant-Zen
Vatican Shadow - Not the Son of the Desert Storm but the Child of Chechnya - Hospital Productions
Eschaton - Kali - Token
Scalameriya - Summoning Sequence - Genesa Records
Cervello Elettronico - Too Much to Handle - Hands Productions
Orphx - Animus - Hands Productions
ELpH vs COIL- Mono - Eskaton
Whitehouse - Ass Destroyer - Come Organisation

Video Premiere: Heather H Celeste - "Echo"

The Brvtalist is proud to premiere the new video by New York-based artist Heather H Celeste. "Echo" is the first video off her latest album, Modern Death, released on Paris' Anywave and Lentonia Records. Celeste's music has a beautifully dark, hypnotic quality that finds a place in between lush ambient, minimal synth and even pulsating techno. We are especially drawn to her soft, whispering vocals that seduce the listener as the song slowly burns. "Echo" is the perfect name for the track and the video is infused with nature, architecture and other mesmerizing imagery that adds even more to the songs trance-inducing quality. We were fortunate enough to connect with Ms. Celeste and asked her to say a few words about the video:

The Video "Echo" brings out the Essence of the Album "Modern Death". Modern Design is a whole new way of Perceiving the world from where we actually come from. The way we go about design and how we Perceive shapes - the spacing and relationship as well as distance from them in architecture, is a form of a Collective Gestalt, the "ah ha". Certain designs can create a State of mind and peace in an Empty Space that may mimic Death and death is not a bad thing. Death is where we come from and there is life in Death in that way. For a long time now we have Been designing very peculiar Architecture especially of Berlin, as if it is almost Genetic for us as if we are born apart from nature and designed to just tend the Garden instead of live on it. We build in such a way that Consciousness is placed not a human body. We are simulating the very ideal world we once were from that channels inner telepathy and the ability to communicate through sound and design as opposed to just language - a more peaceful form of communication and especially more efficient. Like an Acoustic Echo thus the song Echo through a Modern Structure or Building.

We love Celeste's focus on integrating architecture and design with that of human consciousness. The Brvtalist is always interested in points where the physical meets the meta-phsyical and we love artists who explore similar ideas. "Echo" is just one piece that makes up the stellar album of "Modern Death" and you can pre-order this exceptional work from Anywave now.

-JRS

All The Little Devils Are Proud Of Hell

The Brvtalist is proud to feature an amazing new compilation by one of our favorite labels. Los Angeles-based Chondritic Sound has proven to be one of the most important names in underground electronics. Over the past several years, so many of our favorite artists have released material on the label - from Oil Thief and Sleep Clinic to Granite Mask and Pleasure Island, there is perhaps no better home for dark and experimental electronic music. Now, to help mark a big milestone, comes one of Chondritic's biggest releases. From label-head, Greh Holger:

Massive double cassette compilation to celebrate our 300th release. 18 artists, some old and some new to Chondritic Sound, spanning a variety of experimental, atmospheric and industrial styles. Conceived as an introduction to the past, present and future of the label.

Featuring exclusive songs, in order of appearance: Image of Life, S. English, Oil Thief, Sleep Clinic, Smokey Emery, Liebestod, Mortal Bodies, JT Whitfield, Pleasure Island, Scant, L.F.A., SECAM Kino, Granite Mask, Ligature, Plagues, Strain of Laws, The Siamese Pearl, and Hive Mind.

Edition of 200, packaged in a 5" box with professionally printed covers, labelled tapes, foldout insert and download code.

<a href="http://chondriticsound.bandcamp.com/album/all-the-little-devils-are-proud-of-hell">All the Little Devils Are Proud of Hell by Various Artists</a>

This is a must have for fans of not only Chondritic Sound, but for those interested in minimal synth, industrial, noise and ambient genres. Pick this up now on the label's web store.

-JRS

African Ghost Valley - "Dunesl Ceremonies"

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new track by African Ghost Valley. "Dunesl Ceremonies" is the first composition on "Ara", out now on one of our favorite cassette labels Hylé Tapes. African Ghost Valley is a powerful mix of ambient, noise and field recordings which creates a haunting atmosphere and evokes feelings of exploration and ritual. "Ara" is a great EP that fits in perfectly with the current Hylé output which is always an excellent display of art, sound and philosophy. Expect experimentation, improvisation and lush soundscapes which penetrate deep into the listener's mind.

For more information please visit Soundcloud and Facebook. For purchasing, please visit Bandcamp.

-JRS

The Work of Anna Taut

Oil on canvas is perhaps one of the most classic mediums in which an artist can work. Even in 2015, in the midst of a digital art revolution, few works can convey the emotion, mood and talent of an oil painting. That's why when we saw the work of Polish painter Anna Taut (thank you We And The Color), we were immediately hooked.

Born in Warsaw in 1984, Ms. Taut received her degree in painting in 2009 from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdnask. She would later go on to win various awards and accolades including the Grand Prix of the Minister of Culture and Heritage in 2012. Now based in Berlin, she has participated in various group exhibitions in Switzerland, Germany and more. She also does significant work with public art murals.

Ms. Taut is interested in working with human forms and exposing a sense of place and emotion. Integrating geometry and even a bit of surrealism, her women convey solitude, strength and an atmosphere that encapsulates both the subject and viewer. We love her beautiful interpretations of the female body and use of fashion which becomes part of the subject's movement and structure. Her dark moods and bleeding imagery also speaks to our affinity for all things grim. From the artist:

"(…)I’m talking about a person, his condition in relation with the surrounding world. I like to put him up against various spaces, forms, put him in different realtions, observe and react on the outcome. In a painted work I look for an emotion, a state which I don’t name, but consequently strive to its exposal. Painting should move, touch, impact. It’s all about emotions and subconsciousness in my case. I rely on sensitivity and openness of a viewer who is more prone to describe my paintings than I am. That’s good."

The paintings of Anna Taut spoke to our sense of space, humanity, femininity and darkness. She is currently working on more public murals and we are thrilled to follow the career of this amazing painter. For more, please visit her official site and Facebook.

-JRS

New Brvtalism No. 027

A sliver of light streams through the room and that is your que to wake. The pain of a new day crushes your spirit. You quiver at what lies ahead.

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Austin-based producer JT Whitfield. Incorporating elements of industrial, noise and ambient, Whitfield's output is some of the most interesting material in a crowded sea of artists. We were first introduced to his work from our friend TEXTBEAK and quickly related to his style.

Coming out in approximately two months is a 12" EP on Texas-based label Rural Isolation Project. We are also incredibly excited about his upcoming cassette release on the always impressive Chondritic Sound, entitled Adjustment. New Brvtalism No. 027 is an all vinyl mix that is beautifully composed and showcases the DNA of Whitfield's sound. We are thrilled to have a great producer make such a contribution to our series.

For more music please visit Soundcloud.

Berlin Atonal Recap

The Brvtalist is proud to present a recap of arguably the best, most interesting music festival in the world. Since the festival's relaunch, we have watched in awe as some of our favorite acts have performed in what looks to be one of the most incredible venues around. This year our friend Alison Phlōrā, one half of the amazing Abyssal Podcast (which just released a great mix by Dahlhous), traveled from her home country of France to take in the festival. Upon her return, we asked if she would contribute a recap of her experience and she graciously obliged.

Berlin Atonal

by Alison Phlōrā

The earliest editions of Berlin Atonal occurred between 1982 and 1990, and they featured now legendary underground artists such as Psychic TV, Einstürzende Neubauten, Test Dept, 808 State and Die Haut. After a 23 year abscence, the historic event returned to the city in 2013 and 2014 with a very impressive lineup each time. This year, Atonal struck again with an event that couldn't generate more excitement. The festival's venue, The Kraftwerk, is simply one of the biggest and most unique post-industrial sites in the world. When you enter, you can feel the wounds of the old Berlin city, melting in to the new revolutionary subculture. Guests come from parts of Europe and Asia, all with a curious eye and to take part in the city's community. The atmosphere of the venue immediately invokes a physical experience. The resonance creates a heavy vibe that seems to crush you to the ground. Through the Kraftwerk people walk as ghosts and shadows. From a smoky atmosphere and a major absence of light, you discover, at different corners, the interesting art installations. There are six varied pieces all meant to challenge and interact with the formidable Kraftwerk space in their own ways. The works consisted of:
- Pierre Bastien, ‘Mechanology in 4 Rooms’ (2015) Kinetic sound producing sculptures, amplifiers

- Rainer Kohlberger ‘not even nothing can be free of ghosts’ (2015) ‘moon blink’ (2015) ‘humming, fast and slow’ (2013) Projections, stroboscopes

- Pedro Maia ‘Wasteland’ (2015) Loops, degraded film

- Studio Joanie Lemercier ‘Blueprint’ (2015) Projection, sound

- Laytbeuis ‘Susurrus Lights, Aggregate III’ (2015) Sound responsive fluorescent tubes, microphones, amplifiers, analogue FX

- Transforma ‘Dark Flow’ (2015) Viscous Liquid, Pumps, Projections

It is nearly impossible to describe all the amazing performances, most of them world premieres that take place during these five days. The installations, combined with the dark beauty and devastation of the projected images, produces a deep meditation on humanity’s capacity for destruction and violence while also creating a special relationship with this unique space. The aim is to play with the history of a place, the performers, the architecture and the spectator's sensibilities.

New to Atonal this year, was the introduction of a second stage. Around 6 p.m each evening, guests would sit at the "Null stage" and became hypnotized by the exclusive film screenings that Atonal presented. Thursday saw the music documentary "Industrial Soundtrack For The Urban Decay" - which featured artists such as Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, NON, SPK, Test Dept, Clock DVA, The Klinik/Dive and many more. During this time, if upstairs, you could hear a strong sonic wave that carried from the main stage. Then, stepping on to the stairs, you suddenly realize the enormous area and the huge screen that this is a one of a kind viewing experience. Meanwhile, the main stage hosted an incredible array of performers and musicians. Throughout the festival you continuously oscillate between various artists and their worlds, each one projecting their own visual images which creates a unique aesthetic and environment.

On Friday, all eyes were on Peder Mannerfelt, as he put on an incredible performance. Mannerfelt became a true contemporary artist, as if conducting a live act for the gallery. A creepy yellow wig hid his face, accompanied by a hypnotic loop video of a man half naked, deeply looking to the crowd as if a psychopath. Moving slowly, it became apparent that Mannerfelt himself was perhaps a mental patient and challenged the crowd throughout the performance. His psychedelic ambient and distorted images gave way to a strong industrial sound, making for a true mental and physical experience.

The highly anticipated Ugandan Methods (Regis + Ancient Methods) stayed true to their esoteric and morbid aesthetic, offering dark industrial, noise and techno vibes. I couldn't appreciate more the performance of Regis - yelling in to the microphone with rage and violence, accompanied by Ancient Methods and a video loop of an old silent French film that seemed to deal with a witch burning for her crimes against her religion.

So many more great names graced the main stage of Atonal. Artists like Alessandro Cortini, Kangding Ray (playing with his machines), followed by the fantastic Mogwai, Ryo Murakami, Paul Jebanasam and Tarik Barri. Saturday at midnight, we heard the best of Shed, performing some of their most classic tracks. Then, around 1 a.m, the Null Stage opened for the second time of the night with a fine selection of label showcases. From Subtext to Northern Electronics, which offered an incredible ambient atmosphere and guests like the talented Puce Mary, Abdulla Rashim (presenting Lundin Oil), the serious Varg, Acronym, Vit Fana and many more. The Null Stage was an area of true visceral and tangible listenings - running from ambient and industrial to experimental and techno. The impressive Lakker had an incredible live show with some hard break bass, pushing the crowd to dance more and more until the end of the performance. Also, the clean, Polar Inertia, presented a live act that was a real surprise - lasting for one hour and taking you inside their cold and melancholic universe. Other great Null Stage artists were Not Waving, Powell, An+i and Blood music. Saturday night was a fantastic set from Head High that pushed the crowd into a good old rave atmosphere.

In true Berlin fashion, it wasn't over after the performances at Kraftwerk. Afterparties ruled the night until (at least) 8 in the morning. You could visit Tresor, Globus or Ohm depending on the artist and/or DJ of your liking. Thursday night, Ohm presented an unexpected choice of artists that offered a UK bass vibe, trasnsitioning to a dubby mood and sometimes house. On Saturday, the excellent Goth Trad made an appearance.

Inside Globus, the vibe was turned way up, making for an intense dance party. It was mostly house and techno and you could easily recognize some great Robert Hood tracks. As always, Tresor had the punishing techno vibes in a dark, almost sinister room that requires some mental preparation before entering. Regis ruled the club on Thursday with a heavy bumping set, followed by Peder Mannerlfelt and Pär Grindvik to end the night. Also at Tresor on Saturday, you could catch a true techno line-up featuring Felix K, Abdulla Rashim, Shifted, Skarn (live) and Sigha, throwing down tracks until well into the late morning.

Finally, Sunday was the last day of the festival. The main stage presented an impressive schedule to close out the last 5 days - WSR, Bitsream, Samuel Kerridge (presenting Fatal light Attraction), Lustmord, Clock DVA, and the highly attented Ben Frost presenting A U R O R A with MFO. The night was over at Kraftwerk at midnight but you could continue at Ohm for the closing party.

On a global scale, Berlin Atonal brings a nearly unrivaled selection of performers and artists. The festival is not only about music, but also about art and interaction. Guests come as true industrial fans, techno fans, foreigners and Berliners. However, just being there is a special experience for everyone as you get to see your favorite artists perform live in a breathtaking environment. There is also the constant discovery of new artists that makes for endless inspiration. Since the festival began, Atonal seems to have a keen eye on the evolution of such a special wave of music. Further, no longer a nostalgic time in Berlin, Atonal actually helps to usher in a new period of industrial and electronic music, revealing great artists and allowing the opportunity to discover the history of a movement and how it has evolved to the present day in just a five day period.

-AP

Barbara I Gongini A/W 2015

The Brvtalist is proud to present the Men's and Women's Autumn/Winter 2015 collection by Scandinavian fashion designer Barbara I Gongini. Born in the Danish Isles of Faroe and now based in Copenhagen, Gongini's designs pay homage to Nordic heritage while infusing them with a progressive edge and innovative fabrics that combine to form a wholly unique brand. Her designs first caught our eye on the runway as we loved her sophisticated silhouettes set against a primitive, almost primordial aesthetic.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase her latest collection which continues her design evolution and highlights her ability to utilize multiple layers and a variety of fabrics that makes for some of the best looks we've seen this Fall. Her outerwear immediately caught our eye as we were struck by the use of exquisite furs, luscious leathers and beautiful silks. Mixed in with luxury fabrics are denim, jersey and linen which creates a very nice juxtaposition for Fall attire. Each look maintains a sense of utility and functionality while still upholding a very avant-garde point of view. The construction of each garment takes center stage and the monochrome palate adds an extra layer of intrigue and refinement. From the designer:

A whimsical silence surrounds us. We exhale. As the elements defy the exterior, we stand vast, embracing a sense of solemn unison. There is nobody else.

The time of reckoning. Us and our universal dialogue. We seek to reach further with vigorous diligence. With intent, we advance, ever composed in profound togetherness.

For AW15 BARBARA I GONGINI researches garment tactility. Layers appear as singular attributes, carefully shaping the structured yet languid silhouette. Apparent tailoring constructions are re-assessed without compromising wearability. Japanese thick wool, sleek fur and sturdy leather are paired with breezy jersey, textured linen and soft washed silks. A focus on hidden functionality is supported by underplayed colour shading, here expressed through a sensory deep black, variations of grey and subtle notes of white.

Sturdy re-worked denim is combined with overlay coats, sweats appear layered with ripped hand-knits and lightweight elongated shirts are juxtaposed by tailored wool vests. Seams and stitches become part of an exoskeleton, enhancing both anatomy and sculpted forms. Shirts feature multi-functional closures, allowing wearers to shape their respective silhouette with intent. A selection of layered circular cuts invite for transparency in the collections’ overlaying fabrics. Leather accessories exist as cordial wayfarers, back strapped, harnessed, as fitted vests or utility cuffs.

AW15. No sign of a way out. A collective remains. As the silence fades, only sentient wanderers prevail.

For more information please visit barbaraigongini.dk

-JRS

*click to enlarge. All images by Nicky de Silva.