XCD-034 Merzbow – Music For Bondage Performance 2

MERZBOW is Japan’s premier noise group. Since 1981, MERZBOW, under the direction of Masami Akita, have pursued the sonic quest for power. In addition to this, Akita has also been documenting, in numerous books and articles, the history and current status of bondage in Japan.

“Music for Bondage Performance” brought together all of the elements of Akita’s involvement with music and performance. His association with RIGHT BRAIN caused him to form RIGHT BRAIN AUDILE, the sonic counterpart to the RIGHT BRAIN videos. This has opened another dimension to the music of MERZBOW, being more subtle in its aural expression of the visual imagery presented by the performance.

Bondage in Japan, in fact bondage per se, is a much misunderstood art form. It has been a part of the Japanese culture for many centuries. The beauty and nuances, indeed the contrast with the western perception of beauty, that are inherent in the act are often overlooked by the general populace and sensationalised to be brutal, violent or pornographic.

“Music for Bondage Performance 2” continues the musical and visual direction of its predecessor. Akita has intentionally raised the taboos about Bondage. Whether it is art or whether it is pornography? Whether bondage in itself is the sexual act or merely the entree to sexual intercourse? Whether western society is really in a position to make these judgements?

Sonically, “Music for Bondage Performance 2” pursues a greater intensity. There is a relentless and torturous quality to this new musical experience. As a comparison, a previously unreleased work from the first volume has been included on the album. As is said in Japan, “Otanoshim Ikudasai” (please enjoy).