The Brvtalist Selections (May '18)

We're back with another installment of Selections, our monthly picks of the new, now and next. As always we like to focus on what's coming out of the underground in the industrial, techno and left field electronic realms. We have a nice batch of releases this month that are available now or will be out soon. Enjoy.

Crash ID - Sacrificio (Private Selection Records)

A top notch release from L.A.'s Private Selection. This crew has been throwing some of the best parties in the city and now they're releasing great records as well. For the latest, they're shedding some light on Crash ID, a killer producer out of Argentina. Sacrificio is a 6 track vinyl EP of twisted techno, weirdo electronics and quiet mind-melters that disrupt the the monotony of the the every day. Pick this one up here.

  
    <a href="http://shop.privateselectionrecords.net/album/ps003-sacrificio-ep">PS003 - Sacrificio EP by Crash ID</a>
  

V/A - Infidel Selections Vol. 1 (Infidel Bodies)

We've featured a few releases from this Italian imprint and with good reason. They're always coming with both emerging and established talent and their latest compilation has a it all. An incredible survey of industrial/ambient/EBM artists from across the globe which includes Dee Grinksi (Russia), Ryuji Takeuchi (Japan), Kollaps (Australia) and much more. Dive into this for maximum exposure of quality darkness. Cover art by the amazing Lagomorphosis. Out soon on Infidel Bodies.

  
    <a href="http://infidelbodies.bandcamp.com/album/va-infidel-selection-volume-i">VA - INFIDEL SELECTION VOLUME I by Infidel Bodies</a>
  

V/A - The Great In The Small (Gooiland Elektro)

A thrilling 12" out of the Netherlands, this Gooiland Elektro comp is perhaps the most dance floor ready release on the label to date. Featuring four artists, Max Dalhous, ЯTRA, Vitriol and Utroid, this is doom laden techno for societal collapse. Can't get enough of this Vitriol track but the whole release excellent. For more visit here.

DJ Loser & Penelope's Fiance - Λ196 ΠΡΟΣΚΛΗΤΗΡΙΟ (She Lost Kontrol)

Another Brvtalist favorite out of Italy, the label is back with a split from two Greeks who are some of the best in today's underground. Indulge in dark, ritual waves and haunting experimentations as these two provide tracks both solo and together to create a seemingly out of body experience. Out May 31st on She Lost Kontrol.

V/A - The TrackHead EP (Slaying Medusa)

A nice one from the newly launched Slaying Medusa Records. This features jaked up house and mutant disco jams for the new generation. Featuring the legendary Mystic Bill and Black Lodge residents Vexation and Optimistic Misanthropes, give this one a spin and let the bizarre flow through you. Pick up the vinyl here.

-JRS

Orden Shirt Release

Basel's Orden has been behind some of the best events and artists coming out of Switzerland in recent memory. From techno to industrial and even black metal, they continue to push the boundaries of sound and visual art. Today we are pleased to highlight the brand's new shirt release. Designed by Orden with a logo by View from the Coffin, we love the black metal influenced look and in true Orden fashion, the crew accompanied the release with a killer photo shoot taken at the stunning Kunsthalle Basel. The shirts are all handmade and have a distinct high fashion feel. Elevate your merch collection with this tee, to be released with an extremely limited run on May 26th. For more visit Orden Agency.

-JRS

Photos by: Nicolas Gysin Photography

Credits:
Design @orden
Logo @viewfromthecoffin
Model @weissdorn
Photographer @yovnghavte
Location @kunsthallebasel

The Brvtalist Premieres: Poison Green - "Diamino Butane"

This year marks the 10th year anniversary of Killekill, one of our favorite labels and promoters from Berlin. To celebrate this milestone they are throwing a series of events in the city and across Europe, but also by releasing the compilation, Killekill Megahits III. The comp is the perfect expression of Killekill’s message and energy, a crew who always puts music first. With a sound ranging from techno, acid to electro and even punk, the compilation features artists like Alienata, The Horrorist, Swarm Intelligence, Dez Williams and more.

Today we’re premiering Poison Green’s (an alias of Cassegrain's Alex Tsiridis aka Rhyw) contribution “Diamino Butane”, a powerful and wrecking track embodying the spirit of a proper genre-defying rave, proving once again that Killekill is here to “Kill Your Boredom”.

The compilation Various Artists - Killekill Megahits III is set to be released on May 28th, and you can preorder it over here (including anniversary posters and stickers). The label will also celebrate with huge event in Berlin on June 8th.

-Marie Bungau

New Brvtalism No. 140 - STEREOCiTi

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from STEREOCiTi. The Japanese artist has made waves as of late after a successful tour of his home country, a great new record on Waveguide and some massive live sets across Europe. New Brvtalism No. 140 is a beautifully crafted journey featuring music by Mor Elian, Donato Dozzy, Peter Van Hoesen, Karen Gwyer, Hodge, Answer Code Request, The Maghreban, Gunnar Haslam, and more. This is one to get lost in.

-JRS

The Brvtalist Premieres: HOGG - "Eternal Hate Created"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from HOGG. The Chicago-based duo has been one of our favorite acts to watch over the past few years and they continue their streak of mind expanding electronics with the new LP, Self-Extinguishing Emissions, out May 11th on Scrapes. "Eternal hate Created" is a viscous offering which exemplifies HOGG's genre destroying sound which hammers straight through your skull for one of the best experiences of the year. The rest of Definitely one to pick up and if you can catch the pair live, we encourage you to take advantage. To pre-order the record visit Bandcamp.

-JRS

ARTWORK BY: Rebecca Walz and Ryan Pfeiffer
Cover: Offset lithography professional binding by Stumptown Printers
Insert: 17” x 23” Double-sided folding poster insert also printed by Stumptown Printers

Photo by Chester Alamo Costello

The Brvtalist Premieres: Beta Evers - "Predictions"

While being rather new to the electronic music landscape, Alienata’s label Discos Atónicos, launched in 2017 stays true to its own credo, which is passion for music. After releasing killer records from the Dutch veteran Roland van Oorschot aka BS–1 and Artificiero, Discos Atónicos surprises us with a split 12” from one of the Brvtalist long time favourites, Beta Evers, and Alienata herself.

Today’s premiere, “Predictions”, comes from Beta Evers (real name Brigitte Enzler), an unreleased track from the years 2007/2008 where distorted industrial beats go hand in hand with Brigitte’s unmistakable gaspy and seductive voice, a mesmerising track which manages to hypnotize the listener through its provocative and almost ravishing rhythm.

Tracklist

A1: Beta Evers, Predictions
A2: Beta Evers, Only For My Satisfaction (Bodyvolt Remix)
B1: Alienata, Memory

The “Devotion” EP will go out on Discos Atónicos at the end of May, and you can catch Alienata at the Discos Atónicos label showcase happening this week at Säule (Berghain), alongside BS-1 (live) and Dez Williams.

-Maria Bungau

New Brvtalism No. 139 - VTSS

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix from VTSS. The Warsaw-based DJ and live act brings some of the purest, more raw energy to her expressive sets and performances. As a resident of the infamous label/party Brutaz, VTSS has been challenging crowds in Warsaw and across Europe. Oscillating around techno, industrial, EBM and beyond, this all vinyl mix is a prime example of the artist's power.

-JRS

VTSS upcoming shows:

27.04 Rye Wax, London, UK (live),
28.04 Sheffield, UK
29.04 NTS Radio, London, UK
11.05 Jasn# 1, Warszaw
12.05 Schron, Poznań
26.05 Weeirdos, Modular + Space, Berlin, DE 02.06 About Blank, Berlin, DE
23.06 Warszaw (live)
29.06 Szpitaln#1, Kraków (live)
3.08 Nachtdigital Festival, Leipzig, DE (live) 11.08 Pornceptual, Berlin, DE

The Brvtalist Premieres: Monolith - "Sleeping Sun"

The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new track from Monolith. "Sleeping Sun" comes off the new release, Falling Dreams, out April 27th on Hands. The solo project of Eric van Wonterghem (Absolute Body Control, ex-Klinik), this will be his 10th release under this moniker and perhaps his finest, most well rounded work. Industrial ambient collides with immense rhythmic noise and techno to create a true tour de force. Also be sure to catch Monolith live at this weekend's Forms of Hands Festival in Germany. For more visit: http://www.handsproductions.com/

-JRS

Guy Bourdin. Image Maker / Helmut Newton. A Gun for Hire / Angelo Marino. Another Story

by Marie Bungau

Helmut Newton and Guy Bourdin translated fashion photography into intriguing stories, where the body becomes an object of fascination, guiding the eyes of the viewers, or better yet, the voyeurs. They follow seductive lines and curves, slowly moving their gaze from one piece to another. And while these 2 artists never actually met in person, their creative worlds seem to be in a timeless dialogue through their work at the current exhibition at the Helmut Newton Foundation.

“Image Maker” presents exemplary works by Guy Bourdin for various publication contexts, notably his iconic and imaginative advertising images for Charles Jourdan shoes as well as lesser-known works, vintage prints, and layouts from French Vogue. Helmut Newton’s “A Gun for Hire” presents mainly commissioned works from the 1990s for fashion houses such as Thierry Mugler, Valentino, and Blumarine and for companies including Absolut Vodka and Villeroy & Boch.

Guy Bourdin - Charles Jourdan, Spring 1976 (Copyright Guy Bourdin Estate. Courtesy of Louise Alexander Gallery)

Distinctive sensuality and overt sexuality complement each other in the unconventional, yet perfectly staged scenes of Helmut Newton. Master of the perfectly imperfect shot, the King of Kink, a voyeur himself, Helmut Newton continues to fascinate through a vast photographic oeuvre that stands as the testament of good taste with a strong fetish undertone. He transforms mundane locations into theatrical stages, often playing on power and seduction, dominance and submission, using symmetry as a tool to highlight these dualities. There’s almost always a compelling dynamic between a more imposing and a slightly submissive model in his pieces, while constantly making sure to celebrate their femininity and strength.

More of a surrealist, Guy Bourdin used his own visual language in order to capture on frame realities which seem to exist only in his imagination. Like any other writer, his use of metaphors manages to transpose in front of us sublime aspects of life and death. Some of the pictures embody the aftermath of an unusual event, and you couldn't help but wonder what could have happened outside the frame. Conflicting realities become beautiful collages where hyper saturated colours bring to life characters from stories in which the perfection of the outfits are in total contrast with the absurdity of the scenarios.

Helmut Newtown - Mario Valentino, Monaco 1998. (Copyright Helmut Newtown Foundation)

It's impossible not to spend a few long hours getting lost into the captivating worlds of these artists, whose subversive approach to fashion photography highlight the sensual, the assertive and the mysterious. As you try to make sense of the surreal images you are exposed to, you are left only with unanswered questions which, in the end, ignite and fuel your imagination in ways in which explicit movies might fail to do.

Small and intimate, “June’s Room” at the Helmut Newton Foundation is reserved for friends and colleagues, this time for Helmut Newton’s former assistant Angelo Marino. Complementing the works of Bourdin and Newton, Marino offers a highly individual view of his immediate surroundings under the title “Another Story,” featuring snapshot-like portraits and landscapes in surreal colors.

The exhibition is open until May 13th at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, Germany.

Angelo Marino - Another Story, 2014 (Copyright Angelo Marino)

From left: Guy Bourdin - Charles Jourdan, 1978 (Copyright Guy Bourdin Estate. Courtesy of Louise Alexander Gallery). Helmut Newtown - Thierry Mugler, Milan 1998 (copyright Helmut Newtown Foundation)

Guy Bourdin - Charles Jourdan 1975 ((Copyright Guy Bourdin Estate. Courtesy of Louise Alexander Gallery)

New Brvtalism No. 138 - Current 909 (*Live in Berlin)

The Brvtalist is pleased to present a live set from Current 909. Recorded on March 2nd, 2018 at the Aufnahme + Wiedergabe 7 year anniversary party at Arena Club, this offering perfectly showcases the project's evil sound of industrial experimentations. Active since the late 90's, Current 909 returned this year with stellar, Something With Black In The Name, the four track EP on A+W which is available now. For more visit Bandcamp.

-JRS