North Six

A seething, screaming set of power electronics and guitar with hardly a moment's pause for air, this recording finds the trio of Carlos Giffoni (computer, synth, guitar), Lee Ranaldo (guitar, firebell) and Jim O'Rourke (synth) in devastating form. This is classic free bombast, alternately sounding like a "rock band" interpretation of Merzbow's Rainbow Electronics or a punk update of a Musica Elettronica Viva session. The instantly identifiable Ranaldo/Sonic Youth guitar sound is joined by blurting digital scree and analog filter abuse, melding to create a heavy tidal rush of ecstatic cosmic noise. The bliss of the set is confirmed by the Brooklyn audience's joyful reaction at the close.

"Ranaldo's electric guitar strafes and scorches, a snarling onslaught of clangs and feedback screeches. Giffoni plays guitar and computer, and he and O'Rourke use synthesizers like mean action painters, splurging, dripping and recklessly splashing the sounds around."

- Julian Cowley, The Wire, #248

"...fissions those blissful feedback codas of Lee Ranaldo and Jim O'Rourke's full-time outfit into their rawest atoms."

- Joe Panzner, Grooves 015

"This is a fiery steam train speeding down a steep hill with faulty brakes. North Six is one record that will please those with open ears for adventure and risks. "

- Tom Sekowski, GAZ-ETA

"...like being slapped by violent rain while riding a bike."

- Massimo Ricci, Touching Extremes, August 2004

"If ever there was a lo-fi punk version of musique concrete, then it must be this trio... Essential listening for those who love noise..."

- Frans de Waard, Vital Weekly #430