No Fun Fest 2009
The modestly named No Fun Fest at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY the weekend of May 15th was everything noise enthusiasts came to hear; A barrage of analog melody and devastation from the cutting edge of avant-garde experimentalists in the laboratories of sound corruption and manipulation. This is the fifth year of the festivals existence and since its conception in 2004 it has became the most successful and anticipated performance of noise artists in America
Noise as a genre is unique in the fact that no two noise bands can do it the same, even if they tried, and none of the bands at No Fun Fest failed to deliver original and powerful pulses and screeches from the robust P.A. System at Williamsburg. I am not exaggerating when I say that some of these bands were the loudest I’ve ever heard, all the better to be transfixed on the waves.
The Fest was coordinated by Carlos Giffoni, a Technology and Design Student as well as an experimental noise artist. Thanks to his unique assembly of synth makers, circuit benders, and frequency destroyers, No Fun Fest holds the capacity to properly portray such great artists as Sonic Youth, Bastard Noise, and Grey being able to touch the edge of the stage for the psychedelic sounds of up and coming noise rock stars Emeralds, and the solo drum/synth project of lightning bolt’s Brian Chippendale as Black Pus. Merzbow was meant to play as well, but was unable to attend the performance.
No Fun Fest 2009 marked another successful year for the noise genre and the fest itself. I will certainly be attending next year, maybe with ear plugs this time.
By Michael Albano
