BASTARD NOISE - "THE BIRTHDAYS CONTINUE..1/11/20"

Through various incarnations, Bastard Noise has been releasing furious, pummeling music since the early '90s. They have made an indelible mark in the international noise world, working with artists like Merzbow, Sickness and Government Alpha, among others. But the project requires no name-dropping for validation. The music speaks for itself, as does the unflinching and tireless work and passion that Eric Wood pours into it. Wood, founder and sole constant member of Bastard Noise, has a penchant for total dedication to his art. And if you're familiar with the '90s hardcore/powerviolence scene, this will not be news to you. Wood's bands Man Is The Bastard and Neanderthal (just to name a few) practically wrote the book on West Coast powerviolence. But despite being the driving creative force in Bastard Noise, Wood has certainly had help along the way, and "The Birthdays Continue..." is no exception. This release features a live recording from January 2020 in Oakland, CA. The current iteration of Bastard Noise is featured here, with Saira Huff alongside Wood on vocals. And Huff, having played in Question, Detestation and Atrocious Madness, (once again, just to name a few) is certainly a seasoned and talented vocalist. Her unyielding delivery and shredding tones are a perfectly symbiotic fit for both the pummeling electronics and harrowing lyrics.
This music is not for relaxation.