(ANW, HNW) VA - Total Tickling of Throats [WEB] - 2012, FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Infinity Series XX: ‘Total Tickling Of Throats’
An (In)Audible ANW Manifesto
Cover Artwork By: Charlotte Thevenin
Back Cover Artwork By: Jorge Castro / Gluttoness
Mixed By: Gluttoness
-----------------------------------------------------
Final Thoughts On The Infinity Series
Harsh Noise Wall (HNW) is a very divisive genre. Some condemn it as being overly simplistic and boring, while others (myself included), find it to be innovative and creative, and a clear continuation of the works of the minimalist composers from the mid-20th Century and beyond.
In late 2010 a number of HNW releases appeared, which challenged the traditional notion of HNW (as I then saw it). These included works by TFT, Insurgent and perhaps most significantly the ‘Wall Whores’ box on HFFL. Although retaining ‘wall-like’ tendencies (repetition, static textures, non-dynamic walls etc.), there was something different about these tracks. They were not harsh or abrasive at all; in fact they were often quiet, contemplative and relaxing. I felt that the artists involved were onto something, and that what was on display here, could be perhaps the birth pangs of a new sub-genre.
Around this time I was treading my toes into the world of noise, with my project ‘Love Katy’ and my label ‘Sweet Solitude’. I decided that on my label I wanted to give these new sounds I was hearing an opportunity to develop further. As a vehicle for this, I came up with the idea of the ‘Infinity’ Series.
In this series, I encouraged HNW artists to experiment with the form, but still retain the essential qualities which differentiate HNW tracks from Harsh Noise (hence the name ‘Infinity Series’ – Infinite ideas and possibilities etc.). I did not set rules for submissions, as I wanted to see how people would approach this.
Initially I did not think that the idea would take off, but I was soon to be very surprised, as I was overwhelmed with submissions and tracks.
As the series progressed, a few common features became apparent. Firstly, tracks were a lot more minimal and sparse. They often used textures and sounds found in ambient music (particularly drone), and they are a lot more quiet than HNW tracks (lead one critic to suggest that they were just HNW tracks with the volume turned down). Also, around this time people began to describe these track as ANW – Ambient Noise Wall (a term which originated on the HNW board), so like it or not, a new sub-genre had been born.
Highlights for me in the series include AVFN’s bass heavy release (‘The Eternal Present’), Lungwash’s beautiful ‘Wounded Oak’ composition and Vargrwulf’s total wall deconstruction (‘Release’).
In early 2012 I decided to end the Infinity Series alongside my Sweet Solitude label. This was partly because I felt that ANW had taken on a life of its own, and no longer required me to champion it. I decided to end the IS with a bang (a quiet one though!), and in the process pay tribute to one of the defining HNW releases.
‘Total Slitting Of Throats’ is probably the single most important ‘militant’ HNW release. On it, a number of the most important early HNW artists recorded a 66 minute track each. The results were then mixed together and a monster was created. The sound and aesthetics of this release (for better or worse) have since gone on to define the HNW genre.
I wanted to create a single such document for the ANW genre. I invited a number of HNW/ANW artists to record a 66 minute ANW track, and then sent the tracks to Lucas (of Gluttoness and HNW Graveyard fame) to mix them together.
The final result, I’m sure you will agree is spectacular! I named the track (rather cheekily – sorry if it offends anyone!), ‘Total Tickling Of Throats – An (In)Audible ANW Manifesto’.
There are a number of people who I should thank for this. Thanks go to Lucas for mixing the track. Thanks to Jorge and Charlotte for their brilliant artwork, and thanks to all the artists who have contributed tracks throughout the life of the IS.
I hope you enjoy the finished track, and long may ANW continue!
JK – 24/08/2012

Where Is This
Vilgoc
Static Mantra
Faggot Front
Dead Body Collection
Anonymous
Å