Tales from the Secret Labaratory Aug/04

The new Technica Curiosa release from hEAD nOISE is called " IF LOVE IS FREE THEN HOPE IS A WHORE" (Tech 004). It'is a skillfull mix of beats/bleeps/ n blues all fused together with interesting sound collages and some thoughtful samples from such diverse sources as Roy Harper & Crass Records and also a posthumous contribution from The Dark Horse.

In this the second release from HEAD NOISE there is a progression towards well, musicality, the tunes are more accessible & warmer than the more dystopian atmospheres of the dark debut " THE DAY I STOPPED READING WIRED" which HOT PRESS described as O'Connor's " Dark Dubby world " and "an interesting unconventional debut" and the MILK FACTORY described it as an "ambitious collection of dark instrumentals" with its "twisted sonic landscapes somewhere between minimal post-rock and dub electronica in its most sombre form"

One the new Lp from the funky hip-hop grooves of "I hate the White Men" through the post-rock noise collage of "Elements" and the dreamy ambience of the last two tracks "Paramatma" (Which is Sanskrit for Super-Soul) and Wasa Balek (Arabic meaning Lengthen your Mind or "Chillout" to you and me) We pass through many varied sonic landscapes.

Finally, the latest sonic slab is more hopeful with some rich orchestral overtones combined with minimal beats. Warm dub and hip-hop beats lull the listener but as with everything hEAD nOISE do the experience is never straightforward and the listener is challenged as every turn.

The album is available for €9.99 around Dublin in Road, Comet, Freebird, Abbey Discs and a few special selected stores.