Description
Masonna, the brainchild of Yamazaki “Maso” Takushi, holds a revered place within the Japanoise scene alongside peers like Merzbow, Incapacitants, CCCC, Violent Onsen Geisha and Hijokaidan. The project, named Mademoiselle Anne Sanglante Ou Notre Nymphomanie Auréolé, epitomizes the extreme end of the noise spectrum, intertwining cascades of electronic disarray with a distinct psychedelic touch and violent vocalizations. The new limited edition vinyl reissue of “maso+onna=masonna,” originally released on cassette by the Coquette label in 1989, breathes new life into this landmark recording, which has long been the subject of underground lore for its intense, almost mythical presence in the world of noise music.
This reissue, limited to just 199 copies, captures Masonna at one of his most pivotal moments, offering two tracks that span roughly 20 minutes each. This format, with one piece per side, creates a compelling dynamic, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the sprawling auditory landscapes that Masonna weaves.
Side A delves into the tumultuous depths of distortion and feedback, showcasing the bracing intensity for which Masonna is famed. Here, Takushi’s vocal manipulations become ferocious outbursts of sound, transformed through extreme distortion and delay into frantic bursts of static. The noise is relentless, taking the listener through a labyrinthine journey of high-pitched screeches, electronic burbles, and blues pulsations with disturbing whispers and hallucinating screams. The psychedelic undertones shimmer through the soundscapes, blending chaotic dissonance with moments of quasi-structured sonic phenomena. It’s an experience that demands full attention, rewarding the listener with an enthralling fusion of harsh electronic noise and vocal contortions.
Side B, in stark contrast, starts on a different trajectory. Opens with an incredible clutter of guitar and vocal, before the mayhem dissipates, buried under thick blankets of feedback and electronic distortion. This side is more organized yet still unrestrained, reminiscent of the controlled chaos in Steve Reich’s minimalist compositions. The side’s progression towards increasingly intricate and textured environments makes it a compelling counterpart to the more immediate assault of Side A. Occasionally, the tumult subsides briefly into near-silences before exploding back into intense noise, creating a captivating ebb and flow that punctuates the album’s overall dynamism.
This album is not just an essential listen for seasoned aficionados of Japanoise but also for anyone beginning their journey into the world of extreme sonic art. Masonna’s approach has often been characterized by a predilection for the Sixties’ psychedelic ethos, reinterpreted through his unique and abrasive lens. The visceral impact of his work is not diminished by the passage of time; rather, it continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of auditory experience. Behind the chaotic onslaught lies a surprisingly controlled universe. Each sound event, meticulously sequenced, contributes to a broader, almost cosmic narrative. The startling transitions between full-scale electronic assaults and fleeting moments of near-silence add a layer of unpredictability that demands repeated listens. This duality — the interplay of chaos and momentary calm — enables the album to traverse the realms of both dreams and reality, encapsulating the full spectrum of human consciousness and cosmic escapism.
Historically, “maso+onna=masonna” holds a monumental status, not just within Masonna’s amazing catalogue but also within the broader genre of noise music. Its original release on the Coquette label, a hub for Yamazaki’s extreme artistic outputs, involved handmade cassettes produced in ultra-limited editions, contributing to its mythological status. This vinyl reissue honours that legacy, offering a carefully remastered version that maintains the raw energy and emotional breadth of the original recordings. In Masonna’s hands, the human voice becomes a tool of profound sonic devastation. It’s transformed into noise, fed through a process of extreme distortion and manipulated until it becomes an instrument of sheer power. The vocalizations, almost unrecognizable at times, blend into the relentless feedback and electronic fuzz, creating a soundscape that is as unsettling as it is exhilarating.
For fans of Japanese experimental music and noise, this reissue is nothing short of essential. It stands as a pivotal document in the evolution of noise music, representing Masonna’s masterful ability to transform extreme sound into a compelling and dynamically rich experience. The album immerses the listener in an electrifying blend of vocal and electronic power, juxtaposed with meticulously placed quiet moments and interruptions that elevate the listening experience to something near transcendent.
In conclusion, “maso+onna=masonna” is a revelatory journey into the depths of noise, showcasing why Masonna, alongside the likes of Merzbow and Hijokaidan, remains a cornerstone of the Japanoise scene. This reissue offers both a historical snapshot and a visceral listening experience that is bound to resonate with fans of experimental and extreme sonic art. It’s a vivid testament to Masonna’s artistic vision and his relentless pursuit of the outermost boundaries of sound. This limited edition vinyl is a rare opportunity to experience Masonna’s groundbreaking work in its full, remastered glory, and it is a must-have for any serious collector or enthusiast of noise music. Don’t miss out on this unique auditory artifact; it’s an experience that is as intensely compelling as it is historically significant.
