masonna: maso+onna=masonna

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. Side B, in stark contrast, starts on a different trajectory. Opening 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. 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. Historically, maso+onna=masonna holds a monumental status, not just within Masonna's amazing catalogue but also within the broader genre of noise music. This vinyl reissue honors that legacy, offering a carefully remastered version that maintains the raw energy and emotional breadth of the original recordings. 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.