Cultural Noise

Exploring "Aphorisms Insane" by Cultural Noise

"Aphorisms Insane" is the sole studio album by the Austrian trio Cultural Noise, released in 1980 under CBS. This album showcases the trio's commitment to the progressive electronic and Berlin School traditions. The group consists of Gerhard Lisy, Karl Kronfeld, and Walter Heinisch, all of whom contributed to the album's unique sound. The recording took place in Vienna and features an extensive array of analog synthesizers.

Instrumentation and Soundscapes

The album is marked by its impressive synthesizer setup. Gerhard Lisy utilized an ARP 2600, an ARP Sequencer, an EMS VCS 3, and an EMS Digital Sequencer. Karl Kronfeld brought in a Roland System 700 modular synthesizer along with a Roland Analog Sequencer. Walter Heinisch contributed with a Mellotron M-400, a Micromoog synthesizer, and electric guitar. This combination of instruments allows for a rich tapestry of sound.

"Aphorisms Insane" consists of two long-form compositions. The first suite, "After The Selfdisintegration In Time," runs for 19:35 minutes on Side A, while the second suite, "Pursuing The In Time Disintegrating Reality," lasts 20:42 minutes on Side B. These compositions are structured as continuous pieces, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the evolving soundscapes.

Musical Influences and Context

Cultural Noise draws from the Berlin School and Kosmische Musik traditions. The album features immersive cosmic soundscapes characterized by hypnotic modular step-sequencers and sweeping filter modulations. Ethereal Mellotron choirs add depth to the sound, while spacey guitar textures enhance the overall atmosphere. The music has been compared to the works of Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream during their Phaedra and Rubycon eras, as well as to the French band Heldon.

This album stands out in the Austrian electronic music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The fusion of various synthesizers creates a distinct auditory experience that reflects the experimentation of its time. Cultural Noise's approach showcases the potential of analog technology in crafting abstract and experimental music.