I was unfamiliar with this artist, but Clang Quartet is the work of Scotty Irving, who hails from North Carolina and whose Facebook page describes the act as “HARSH NOISE, DRUMS, WACKINESS FOR JESUS since 1997.” The label (No Rent; this is also a co-release w/ Strange Mono Philly) describes this tape thus: “Its harsh, well recorded, short, tight and singular. In the present day it's even more remarkable, because of the time passed, very rare a dude in his 50’s known for long form performance based pieces doing a short tight album with like... I don’t know man grind? elements periodically. Big smashing industrial sounds. Totally bleak confessional like whispered poetic vocals??!??!?! It’s just sick. Took me by surprise.” Sounds like a good time, and No Rent doesn’t tend to steer me wrong, so let’s dive in.
"The Abortion Card" kicks it off with sludgy, heavy guitar-based metal with loosely processed spoken word vocals. This is heavy and noisy with plenty of feedback. Next up, "With Weariness and Heavy Heart" is a lot more atmospheric with a lot of religious-based spoken word. I really like that you can understand what he is saying throughout and doesn’t hide behind a lot of distortion to obscure his words. It’s gritty and dark and you can almost feel yourself in its presence. "Banished From Eden/A Christian Without A Church" gives us actual singing and harmonizing with a chanting feel to it over a droning synth line that gives it a revivalist feel. The escalating drone builds throughout and leaves the listener with an unsettling feeling. When the pounding drums come in, it is almost a relief as it breaks the tension (while simultaneously adding to it when you realize that this isn’t going anywhere either). At just under 12 minutes, "Friends Become Enemies (Psalm 55:12-16)/Purification By Fire (Ezekiel 22:17-22)/Prayer For Peace (Psalm 139)" is the longest piece on the tape and is a lot more chaotic and noisy. In fact, this is pretty harsh by comparison and really well put together. The work is deliberate and solidly structured. There are moments of respite, and this changes significantly as tinkling bells and running water evoke the peacefulness of the last portion of the track title. Really nice juxtaposition. "Sufficient Grace (sounds based on my December 2022 MRI)(2 Corinthians 12:9)" brings it all to a close with slow synth lines with a rhythmic sweep. This is a significant departure from the previous track and ends the tape on a slightly peaceful note.
If there is one word I would use to describe this, it is contradictory. I mean this in a good way, however, in that Clang Quartet is rather skilled at integrating opposites: peaceful elements and extremely harsh noise, heavily processed vocals with heartfelt singing and harmony. When coupled with the religious overtones of the tape, the end result feels .... authentic. Often, when you see noise or power electronics offer a release with religious themes, the expectation is that it will be negative and cheaply done. Clang Quartet refuses to take the easy way out, and gives the impression of an individual grappling with faith and his place within (or not quite within) a religious community of believers. There are no easy answers and Clang Quartet offers only more questions. Based on the visceral feeling of the tape, I would absolutely love to see this act live. Extremely well done and well worth picking up. This tape weighs in at around 30 minutes.