They did it once, and it worked brilliantly, so they
decided to do it again… and again. Maja Ratkje
and Lasse Marhaug, both established avant-gardists,
noise terrorists, relentless sonic explorers, are in
their own right admired for their respective body of
work. Their first documented collaboration, Music
For Shopping, released on limited edition vinyl
two years ago, saw their worlds collide in majestic
effusions of noises. Investigating sonic terrains familiar
to both of them, yet meeting somewhere between their
respective grounds, this album was a mind opening experience,
even for seasoned noise aficionados.
Two years on, it is not one but two further collaborations,
released in the space of just over six months, which
the pair is presenting. Music For Loving, published
on German label Bottrop Boy, was the first to appear,
mid 2004, while Music For Faking is now being
released on Canadian imprint C3R. Recorded live in Oslo
in just one day each, in November 2003 and July 2004
respectively, with no overdubs, both albums are delivered
raw and untouched.
The cover of Music For Faking pictures two
grinning faces, illustrating the playful atmosphere
of the collaboration between Ratkje and Marhaug. Although
both accomplished and respected musicians, they refuse
to take themselves, or their art, seriously, preferring
instead to continuously challenge each other into more
staggering assemblages. Collecting interferences, field
recordings, processed noises, samples, and other sound
sources and amalgamating them all, Ratkje and Marhaug
confront traditional perceptions of music, firmly placing
their work out of context and focussing on the essence
of improvised music. This results in both albums being
incredibly organic, with sonic textures, ranging from
silky analogue waves and highly polished digitalised
noises to abrasive distortions, treated vocals –
including screams – and radio interferences, continuously
provoking cutaneous reactions. It is difficult to disassociate
these two albums, so close are they in essence. Both
Music For Loving and Music For Faking
provide dense atmospheric soundscapes, and both are
equally frisky. However, of the two, Music For Loving
appears slightly more contrasted, in part rougher, more
abrupt than its follow-up, and elsewhere softer, more
delicate. Yet, the soundscapes of both records constantly
fluctuate between sonic assault and delicate restraint,
often in a same piece and often without warning.
Perhaps not records to put in every hands, these collaborations
between two of the most important experimental musicians
of their generation are equally as intriguing, challenging
and impressive not only by the scale of these records,
but also by the sheer joy that transpires from their
relationship. Noise can be fun, and Maja Ratkje and
Lasse Marhaug prove it again and again.
Music For Loving 4.1/5 Music For Faking 4/5 |
