Frataxin
2019
(Artist Submission)
Review by Joey
Genre/s: Industrial, Power Electronics
For Fans Of: Deathpile, Grunt, Con-Dom, The Sodality
Power electronics has always been a minefield of boring edgelords, cryptofascist dickheads, pretentious art nerds, and forgettable amateurs, all surrounding the few brilliant lights who bring something interesting to the table, have something worth saying, and which are deserving of merit. New Jersey's self-proclaimed "cripple power electronics" unit Frataxin is part of the latter, and in the past couple of years has really begun to come into their own. This latest tape, released on No Rent Records, is some of the most ferocious material from the project to date, and serves as a sign that things are only getting better (or worse, depending on your point of view) from here on out.
From the first awkward few seconds of plug sounds through the final shutoff, this tape drags the listener helplessly along a desperate, hellish path. Each harsh tone cuts like a knife, forcing anyone within earshot to suffer. Lyrically, the project focuses heavily on disability, but does so from a place of experience, rather than as a conceptual exploration. Musical prowess aside, that fact is a big part of why I think Frataxin should be held in the highest regards -- it's not just some tryhard dork yelling about turn of the century individuals with deformities (or Boyd Rice talking about how he wants to kill those with disabilities), it's a genuine and poignant look at the pain and alienation which able-bodied/neurotypical people not only can't, but also don't even try to grasp. This is truly powerful shit, overflowing with seething hatred and spite, and only the most casual listeners can sit through it and remain unmoved.
The tape is now sold out, but you can still listen to it. Honestly, not much has caught my ear this year, but this is definitely worth a listen.
Tracklisting:
1. Piss Dimple
2. Body Temperature
3. Credo
4. Morning Wound
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD