Nor-Noise
DVD and compilation CD - [ohm] Records, Norway - 2004

Jazzkammer track on compilation, interviewed in documentary and cover design.

NOR NOISE (DVD + CD by Ohm Records)
"What is Noise music?". That was the question Norwegian filmmaker Tom Hovinbole asked twelve different noise musicians in 2001-2002. In Norway noise music was then gaining much national and international attraction and it seemed logical for Tom to make a documentary about Noise music and the people who make it. We see these people sitting behind tables, sometimes with some equipment, or on a couch, and the camera is just focussed on them. While they talk (one at a time) we
get footage from some of their concerts. That is of course a static approach, but it's nevertheless one that forces the viewer to have a good listen as to what is said. In just one case, there is a break in this routine: the interviewer asks Francisco Lopez, while sitting behind his mixing desk in the auditorium where his concert is, what
it is that he does. I would have loved to hear more about how people are generating their noise music, maybe through some visual explanation. Hearing Toshimaru Nakamura explain the no input mixing board, for the untrained it might not be easy to relate to that if you have never been close to a mixing board. The threshold to get in is quite nice, but it's certainly nice to see the talking heads of people like Lasse Marhaug, Otomo Yoshihide, David Cotner, Arm, Maja Ratkje (of Fe-mail), Lopez, Helge Sten, Kjell Runar Jenssen (Del), Asbjorn Flo. Funniest interview is the one with Masami Akita. Mr. Merzbow speaks, the words are subtitled, but we don't hear his voice. When the live footage cuts in, it comes in extra loud of course.
With this DVD comes a CD compilation of all new Norwegian noise artists, including some not seen on the DVD, which is of course a pity if you like a track on CD and would like to know more about the artist, or vice versa. There is some noise to be found here in the best noise tradition such as by Jazzkammer, Domestic Purpose, Golden Serenades and Norwegian Noise Orchestra, but also some more contemplative moments such as by Kobi, Crazy River and Tore Honore Boe. This makes this into a varied CD with various points of view, all relating to the question: "What is Noise music?". It may provide a few answers! (Frans de Waard, Vital Weekly)