Crazy Love

Keeping with our film theme this week, we are excited to present "Crazy Love", a new fashion film by Between Pictures, fashion designer Sophi Reaptress and jewelry maker HVNTERGVTHERER. Shot in The Convent, a DIY space in Philadelphia, the film is inspired by a recurring dream of a young woman who has mysteriously stumbled into a wake. Directed, edited and produced by David Garcia, this is a haunting beautiful piece which is set the music of none of than Chelsea Wolfe. The designs of Sophi Reaptress blend perfectly with some of our favorite items from HVNTERGVTHERER, including the Sphinx Claw, Santorini Rings, Lumen Rings, and Sybil neckpiece worn as a head piece. We love the film's moody, emotional atmosphere and it's wonderfully shot to showcase the artists' work. Please enjoy:

For more information please visit Between Pictures, Sophi Reaptress and HVNTERGVTHERER.

-JRS

Film Credits:

All outfits are by Sophi Reatpress: http://www.sophireaptress.com/

Jewelry by HVNTERGVTHERER: http://hvntergvtherer.com/

Music provided by Chelsea Wolfe:http://www.chelseawolfe.net/

Sargent House Records: http://sargenthouse.com/

The Convent: http://www.theconventphilly.com/

Directed, Edited, & Produced by David Garcia of Between Pictures: www.BTPC.co

Moral Defeat - Summer Releases

The Brvtalist is pleased to present the latest tape releases by Copenhagen's Moral Defeat. We have featured several of the label's stellar artists before on site and we are ecstatic about the current batch of tapes for this season.

Haraam - The Resstablishment of Old Ideals

There's no stopping this dark Arabic gargantuan monstrosity. Moral Defeat presents a new tape from the project called The Reestablishment Of Old Ideals. The title of this new release, is focused on two things. 1: The idea that cultures are beginning to move back toward an older, more archaic social system. This could not be more true all over the world right now. 2: The project also makes a return to the old mood and sound of early Haraam releases. Containing those hints of eerie melodies, and heavyharsh rhythmic sections. Bass drowned hypnotic textures and corrosive moods filling the empty void nicely. Perhaps one of the most moody releases by Haraam. There's also future releases on the way, check it up on the labels Materia Productions, Yerevan Tapes and Fallow field. You can also catch Haraam at upcoming live performances in Berlin, Istanbul, somewhere in Russia and Roskilde Festival!

Sortlegeme - DAF

The second release by Danish world-techno act Sortlegeme, out on Moral Defeat. Mystical, tribal, ritualistic deep techno with soundtrack-ish elements which work like a charm here. No question of doubt about this release - atmospheric and menacing goes hand in hand. Worth the attention! Don't forget to check up on the debut, which also was released on Moral Defeat!. Fans of early Psychic Warriors of Gaia or Plastikman should definitely check it out!

Restive Plaggona - Without Principles

A new act out on Moral Defeat, all the way from Athens Greece! A strange techno hybrid, promising a new sound for the cult label. Organic and haunted technoid melodies, throbbing and ritualistic drums and deep ambiance. Beautiful and depressing sound aesthetics. Maybe David Lynch should consider technoid music like this as soundtrack? You can be the judge of that. Anyone with a lust for something new would love this! The act is also working on future releases - a tape out on Collapsing Market AND a vinyl out on Veleno Viola.

Body Stress - Sodomy In Silence

A new Body Stress release called Sodomy In Silence is also out on Moral Defeat. This is punishing work with its relentless Sutcliffe Jugend and New Blockaders noise assaults! Combining elements of harsh noise wall and old-school power electronics, although without vocals. There's more depth and ear candy on this release then what you could expect from just another noise release! A lovely tape, building a bridge between the old-school and the new-school of noise. A worthy cassette for any tape pervert!

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

-Per Najbjerg Odderskov

New Brvtalism No. 059

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by Berlin-based artist Zanias. Utilizing the best elements of EBM, coldwave, techno and pop, Zanais' sound is a unique journey to both the past and future. Crafting works that are equal parts psychological, introspective and seductive, Zanias is one of our favorite projects happening right now. She is also the co-founder of one of the best parties and labels in the city called Fleisch. Through both live performance and DJ sets, we were instantly drawn to the artist's dark, hypnotic allure and smart, stylish delivery. From Zanias:

I've titled the mix ‘Follow the Body’, and it’s a selection of sounds designed to move both the body and mind. The tracks are focused on friends and peers that have inspired me most in my journey from coldwave into the darker realms of dance music. The title track is the opener from my upcoming EP, ‘To the Core’, which I produced in collaboration with Alex Akers from Forces. It will be released on the Vienna-based label Noiztank in the coming months. I’ll also be touring with Forces from September onwards.

We are extremely excited for the upcoming EP and all should definitely catch her on tour. We will keep you posted with more from this great artist. For more information, please visit Facebook and Soundcloud.

-JRS

Track list:
Alvar – Biotope
Cute Heels – Third Skin (The Hacker Remix)
Zanias – Follow the Body
Brunes – Yes, I Do (Artik Remix)
Monolith – Near Crash
Huren – Rituel Sonore
Schwefelgelb – Balancier Dich
Radical G – Kryptonite
Orphx – What Will Burn
Ancient Methods – A German Love
Morah – Up In Flames
Perc & Truss – Subox
Gesloten Cirkel – Submit-X
Phase Fatale – Steel
Terence Fixmer – I Swear
Operant – Insular
Daniel Avery – Reception (Perc Remix)
Dax J – The Invisible Man
Coil – Heaven’s Blade
Paula Temple – Cloned
Privacy – Apex Predator
Damaskin – Catacomb
HTRK - Poison

Night Gaunt Spring/Summer Tapes

L.A.'s Night Gaunt Recordings is a finely curated selection of some of the best and most interesting artists in the experimental underground. Not confined to just one sound, their releases cross over into the realms of noise, techno, post-industrial, power electronics and more. We've been fans for the past few seasons and featured the label's previous batch of tapes last year. The imprint has returned with three stellar releases including one from a favorite artist and performer at the upcoming Brvtalist live event on July 1st. We are proud to feature each release below.

Alexandra Atnif - Asymmetrik

Ms. Atnif has been on a tear since her Demo release last year and has since put out material on labels like Detroit Underground and newly formed Anthem Aesthetica. Asymmetrik is one of her most accomplished and cerebral works to date. The tape is comprised of seven total tracks, four on side A and three on B. "Fixed Target" commences the tape with the artist's signature rhythmic brutality and tracks like "Decay Mode" progress through moments of ambient and death industrial. The side closes with a climactic, almost cinematic digression into silence on "Anthems of the Deaf and Blind I". Side B offers more of the expertly crafted atmospherics and continues to expand on her arsenal of different realms of electronic production. We could not be more thrilled to be hosting Ms. Atnif's debut live performance, next Friday, July 1st at Complex in Los Angeles.

jjakub - Migration

Next up is the latest release by Nashville-based producer jjakub. This changes the pace a bit and moves into more elements of pulsating, industrial techno that is equally as ready for the warehouse as it is your home cassette player. Pulling inspiration from post-industrial, philosophy and urban decay, Migration is a stellar release that is a great example of the breadth of the label's roster. Both "Excess Labor 1" and "Excess Labor 2" raise the BPM's and offer fuel for the bleak times ahead while inviting the listener to get lost in the tracks' driving, centrifugal force. From the artist:

‘Migration’ is an attempt to convey feelings of hatred, desperation and deep, deep sadness moving back to a city that was replaced by another. One where the poor are pushed to the periphery, old homes torn down and replaced with condos. This a soundtrack to a place filled with yellow cranes and vampiric technocrats. ’Migration’ is the sound of when everything you’ve ever loved has turned into glass, and in your heart you’re terrified by the realization that the only way to stop it is with a firebomb.

Forbidden Colors - And They Danced In The Dragon's Mouth

Finally, we move to the experimental Forbidden Colors tape. Enrique Hernandez’ project is built on the harsher side of noise and power electronics. The latest material moves in a more rhythmic direction, letting in influences from techno and industrial. With a name borrowed from Yukio Mishima, and a distinctly queer aesthetic, Forbidden Colors is truly a sonic assault system. And They Danced... is an uncompromising release that is broken up into six distinct parts. Tracks "I" and "II" nicely start things off with a steady, building, distorted use of analog electronics dispersed with ominous samples and harsh noise. The rest of the release touches on dark ambient, death industrial and moments of dark techno which play well with the theme of the release. This is a great experimental work that is indicative of the sound Night Gaunt always seeks to promote.

All in all this is a strong lineup of tapes from one of our favorite local labels. Each release is well packaged and includes a download code as well. All three tapes are available now. For more information and purchasing please visit Bandcamp and Facebook.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: PLOVDIV - Beauty Lies In The Corner.

We are currently in the midst of a renaissance of independent labels that are committed to releasing dark, obscure and experimental electronic music. Berlin's Blacksilk Records is a prime example. An imprint started by Marc Ash, the young label is interested in a multi-disciplinary approach and aims to bring hidden and obscure electronic gems out of the shadows. PLOVDIV's Golden is the first release by Blacksilk and an excellent way to kick things off. We are proud to premiere, "Beauty Lies In The Corner, one of our favorite tracks off the record.

Golden is a five track vinyl release that is currently limited to 300 copies. PLOVDIV is perhaps the darkest and most introspective moniker of label-head Marc Ash and that is evident throughout the material on the record. A nice narrative moves through raw, moody electronic rhythms that blend brvtal post-industrial, experimental techno and encapsulating ambient. While maintaining a primitive, deconstructed sound, Golden also excels at conveying a polished sophistication that alludes to shallow decay, materialism and adornment, just some of the themes that run throughout the release. "Beauty Lies In The Corner" is a great track that oozes haunting atmospheres and glamorous excess.

The incredible cover art comes from Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens and the shimmering gold attire is the perfect compliment to the menacing sound that lies within. Golden is out June 27 via Ready Made Distribution and we are very much looking forward to forthcoming releases from this great, new label. For more visit Facebook and Soundcloud.

-JRS

Amok Tapes Exclusive Mix

AMOK Tapes is the label of Berlin synth manufacturer KOMA Elektronik. The sound they create revolves around “mutated techno and EBM blending together into a mass of flesh."

While the music is definitely on the aggressive and distorted side of the Berlin vibe, what’s essential about the label’s vision is that each artist has the freedom to explore and push the boundaries of electronic music. The stay true to themselves and their sound, and are able to create music that doesn’t sound like anything else.

AMOK promotes new and unknown artists, releasing music on a continuing basis. An important detail is of course their choice of release format - the tape. This allows the label to stay true to the DIY ethos and each release has unique packaging and a download code, but still gives the fan the ability to collect each item as a special, limited release.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the yet unknown world of AMOK Tapes through this exclusive mix put together for The Brvtalist. You’ll be hearing tracks from /ϟ/HUREN/ϟ/, Ontal and Drvg Cvltvre, alongside unreleased material from Raum Zeit and Unhuman, merging all together into a homogeneous blend of harsh, unsettling industrial beats and uncompromising EBM.

-Marie Bungau
@mariebungau

Tracklist:
1. Det Er Nach Hos Gaute - CVK
2. Verdronken - Raum Zeit (forthcoming)
3. II - Bakunin Commando
4. Sequence 1 - Ontal
5. Mimetizar - Huren
6. Dead By Dawn - Drvg Cvltvre
7. Falwell Matchbox - CVK
8. Scope - Ontal
9. Rarebell Changing Face - Huren
10. Untitled - Unhuman (forthcoming)
11. Realties Within Realities - Ontal
12. Wolven - Drvg Cvltvre
13. Ted Goes To Denver - CVK
14. IV - Bakunin Commando
15. Katakomben - Huren
16. Schimp En Spot - Raum Zeit (forthcoming)

0770 - Psycho Killer

The Brvtalist is pleased to present the Fall/Winter 2016 collection by Italian leather accessories brand, 0770 ("zero sette sette zero"). Titled "Psycho Killer", the latest offerings build on previous collections which masterfully blend old world Italian craftsmanship with cutting edge experimentation. 0770's minimal aesthetic immediately resonated with us as we loved the label's delicate, yet powerful balance of classic glamour with forward thinking sensibilities. Italian designers Enzo Pirozzi and Irene De Caprio began collaborating back in 2003 while each was still in school. Pirozzi comes from a background of tailoring, fabrics and details while De Caprio brought aerospace and a love for technology to the duo's creations. 0770's commitment to all of the above is evident with each piece. All made in Italy these are not simply items of clothing, but objects of desire.

"Psycho Killer" draws inspiration from the early punk scene in New York and exudes its sexually charged and cavalier attitude. The designers call it a "perfect tale of seduction for a strong, confident woman." This collection has an enticing, alluring quality which puts the woman front and center. As with previous lines, 0770 continues to experiment with geometries, asymmetries and avant-garde detailing. We especially love the choker with cut-out details, the amazing spine bag and the full torso harness. All of the pieces channel a little bit of deviousness that is inherent in all of us. It just depends on how much you want to embrace.

*click images to enlarge

We would like to thank 0770 for these great campaign images and we look forward to seeing what's in store from the creative duo. For more information please visit 0770, Facebook and Instagram.

-JRS

Campaign Credits:
Brand: 0770
Photographer + Videography: Chris Vongsawat
Model: Jennifer Stevens
Makeup: Ann Puttiwongsasoontorn
Hair Stylist: Jenny Rey
Hair Stylist Assistant: Amy Rudd
Music: John Crities
Art/Projections: Reo

Infrastructure - Facticity

What began as a personal outlet in the late nineties, has now transformed into an important imprint for progressive electronic music. Infrastructure New York is a record label that is the brainchild of Dave Sumner, aka Function. One of the most well respected artists operating today, Sumner continues to release a steady stream of his own material as well as spotlight up and coming electronic producers from around the globe. While the label does maintain allegiance to heavy, driving, dance floor ready techno, it certainly leans toward more progressive releases that crossover into the realms of experimental, ambient and industrial. After a period of dormancy, Infrastructure has returned in a big way and has definitely become a label to always keep up with. We immediately gravitated towards the Post Scriptum release and invited the artist to contribute a New Brvtalism back in February. That more or less brings us to the label's most recent and most grand undertaking, Facticity.

Facticity is a 4 x 12", CD and digital download release that brings together Infrastructure's talented stable of artists, collaborators and colleagues. 15 tracks of well curated material that nicely sums up what the label is all about - pushing the boundaries of techno to otherworldly limits. We appreciated the inclusion of artists like Vatican Shadow, Silent Servant and one of our favorite producers and performance artists, Rrose. We recommend working through it just how it's ordered and taking in some of the musical evolutions that happen throughout. There's also plenty of great warehouse ready hits from the likes of Cassegrain & Tin Man, Blue Hour and the stellar "Acidalia" by Inland. There's really something for everyone here.

All in all this is a real milestone release from an already accomplished label and it's beautifully presented as well. The label also makes it a point to work with emerging visual artists and the cover art of Facticity comes from British fine artist Robert McNally. This is definitely for fans of industrial techno, EBM and post-industrial genres. It is currently out on all three formats and for more information please visit Facebook and Soundcloud.

-JRS

Daniel Gregory Natale

We like to think of The Brvtalist as a place where different disciplines collide but maintain a common thread that weaves throughout. The work of designer Daniel Gregory Natale could not be a more perfect example. Initially inspired by Brutalism and other architectural forms, his creations go beyond traditional boundaries and enter realms of conceptual fashion, performance art and more. His exaggerated silhouettes and striking textures immediately seize both the viewer and wearer. The disproportionate lines seem masterfully plotted and the ensembles' equilibrium is just right. Today we are proud to present the designer's Fall/Winter 2016-2017 collection. Natale continues to build on an already impressive catalog and was also recently chosen to install some of his works inside the famed department store, Selfridges in London. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with the designer and spoke about Brutalism, his thought process and the upcoming installation. Please find our Q&A below:

The Brvtalist: I would love to get a bit of background on the label. Talk briefly about your history as a designer and the inception of Daniel Natale. What is the mission or ethos of the brand?

Daniel Natale: I think that I was just always curious about design. I always wanted to be an architect when I was growing up so I was always interested informs and materials. I remember one day just deciding that I wanted to design garments instead of structures.

The first collection's concept was rooted in the history of Berlin. I was always interested in different parts of the city like the Bauhaus of course, so I started to look at the city as a whole entity. I wanted to create something that would translate Berlin’s history within the clothes. For example I’m looking at the Berlin wall and how it strictly divided the city and exploring how to conceptualize that same stark division of the wall into clothes, which is why the outerwear was made of different wool fabrics fused together, to create this division while still being apart of the same. Brutalism was a beautiful architectural movement that celebrated material purity in these gargantuan almost overpowering forms. Berlin was prominent in the Brutalist movement so exploring the movement made sense, I'm elaborating on the large structural form. There are many more aspects of Berlin that all came together and allowed me to design the clothes that way. It was a merging of different aspects of Berlin's history into ideas of a critical way of design thinking and design process.

TB: Your fashion is very conceptual and exaggerated. We love how you play with proportions and layer many of your looks. Talk a little bit about this practice and what has inspired you to create fashion like this.

DN: This is where my initial interest in architecture takes hold. I love the focus on the garments being on the form and the material rather then very fine details like top stitches or what not. There are entire stories in the layers of each look and how the different textures of the fabrics within each of the looks interact with one another as a whole. I like the complexity of layering and trying to find the right proportions and textures for each layer while being cohesive to the design concept.

TB: Let's talk a little bit about the new collection. I love the grey tones, heavy fabrics and the silhouettes of the outerwear. What is the concept behind the collection and how does it build on and/or differ from past Daniel Natale collections?

DN: The new collection is just a further exploration of the general concepts from the first collection. I was (still am) learning at the time I did the first collection so there were a lot of things I wanted to refine afterwards. There is still a lot within the concept that I would like to explore. I’m not bored of the concept yet so I’m still going to work on it, discover new things and also try and make old things more interesting. And like I said before, the concept is mostly about the way I'm thinking about design and I'm constantly thinking of new ideas that fit the design philosophy. I really love working on the coats. I feel the most freedom working on it. The forms can be so exaggerated and explored because a coat doesn’t have to fit underneath anything else. It’s like the grand finale of layering, and that’s why the coats in the collection can be a little dramatic.

TB: In other exciting news, this collection will also be installed in Selfridges London. Talk about your approach to this project. What did you want to do with the presentation and what we can expect from the installation?

DN: Yes, it is scheduled to be installed on July 11th at the Selfridges Oxford store. I wanted to present something that celebrates the material rawness of the collection. I’m designing a installation that kind of plays with similar ideas of lots of layered textures and materials. It will act as a sort of center piece where the rest of the collection will hang and be displayed. I can’t give to many details away but the collection will be available in its entirety.

TB: What's next for Daniel Natale? Any plans to expand further beyond the fashion medium?

DN: I have lots of things I want to work on. I’m currently working on a fine jewelry collection with a very talented jeweler and craftsman. He’s helping refine the forms of the pieces and conceptualize it so it merges with the clothing. I’ve also been collaborating with an architect on the Selfridges piece. I would love to continue our collaboration with an expansion into a small kitchenware collection. It sounds silly, but it's exciting to have the opportunity.

We would like to thank Daniel Gregory Natale for taking the time to speak with us. His works are both thought provoking and inspiring. If you're in London after July 11th please do visit his installation at Selfridges Oxford. For more information please visit http://danielgregorynatale.com/.

Haraam - Let The Swords Tear Me To Pieces

A new release from Fallow Field, Haraam brings us a cassette with incredibly moody and Arabic-inspired experimental sound aesthetics. Fresh like an assassin's dream and from the driest desert you could imagine, Let The Swords Tear Me To Pieces gets back to atmospheric ambient-dub elements (Empire of Faith from 2014), and mixes it up with more recent industrial and tribalistic harshness (When The Sacred Months Have Passed from 2015). Side A of the tape follows in the more gentle tradition of tribal ambient techno, and side B is a heavy and punishing noise-drone treat.

Still holding the flag, and still delivering whatever Haraam wants, the project remains a MUST listen. For fans of Muslimgauze, Surgeon, Hybryds and Raison D´être. This is the 7th cassette-album release from this great Danish act, and the second tape release on U.S cassette label Fallow Field. For more more information and purchasing visit Bandcamp and Fallow Field.

-Per Najbjerg Odderskov