Glenn Branca - The Ascension (1981)

In 1981 New York brought forth what may be considered the first noise-rock symphony in history. Having written the score a year earlier for four guitars, a bass and drums, Glenn Branca brought out a remarkable album. Layer upon layer of metallic guitar noise with underlying harmonies and dissonances create a tidal wave of sound, while the primal and repetitive pounding of the rhythm section whip you into an entranced state of frenzy. Branca himself and Lee Ranaldo, later from Sonic Youth, take up two of the guitars.

Minimalistic rock at a distorted extreme, a beautiful and tragic cry from the post-post-postmodern urbanicities. This is the Dionisiac harmonised with the Appolonian - fresh, powerful modern art at its most sublime height of expression.

The infected can read an interview with Glenn Branca.

Musicians

• Ned Sublette: guitar
  
• David Rosenbloom: guitar
  
• Lee Ranaldo: guitar
  
• Glenn Branca: guitar
  
• Jeffrey Glenn: bass
  
• Stephan Wischerth: percussion
  

Tracks

1. Lesson No. 2 (4.59)
   
2. The Spectacular Commodity (12.41)
   
3. Structure (3.00)
   
4. Light Field (In Consonance) (8.17)
   
5. The Ascension (13.10)
   

Glenn_Branca_Ascension_192.rar

posted by Paxjorge @ Tuesday, March 07, 2006