house of low culture: poisoned soul

House Of Low Culture is the long-running solo project of Aaron Turner (Isis, Mamiffer, Lotus Eaters, etc.) and Poisoned Soil is their first proper album to be released in nearly a decade. HOLC's first release, Submarine Immersion Techniques Vol. 1, would set the tone for all that would follow. Recorded from 1997-1999, released in 2000, the album explored lonely, lysergic drone territories and the construction of textural weavings. Over the course of the next several years, Turner broadened HOLC's sonic palette considerably -- incorporating voices, keyboard textures, and other non-guitar instrumentation -- while engaging in collaborative efforts with the likes of Merzbow/Masami Akita, James Plotkin, Z'ev, Stephen O'Malley and others. As of late, Faith Coloccia, Turner's wife (and bandmate in Mamiffer), has become a regular contributor. Her presence can be heard and felt on HOLC's new full-length recording, as can that of percussionist B.R.A.D (Asva, Master Musicians Of Bukkake, Burning Witch, etc). The three lengthy compositions within conjure a wide variety of spatial effects and spectral imagery when experienced under headphones: distant rumblings, ominous premonitions and strange equilibrium disturbances, all underscored by the hiss of naked electrical current. Mastered by James Plotkin, cut by John Golden and pressed on 200 gram virgin vinyl, Poisoned Soil is presented as a grand LP+12" set with spot colors, printed innersleeves and flooded pockets in an edition of 500.