Tuesday 28th April - Brudenell Social Club - Leeds
ASVA
Asva is co-founded and lead by both G. Stuart Dahlquist (SUNN 0))), Burning Witch) and B.R.A.D. (Burning Witch). The first incarnation of Asva featured the guitar of Dylan Carlson from the drone rock band Earth. This incarnation of Asva recorded a song called "Caprichos 1-80" (recorded June, 2003). The song was released as one half of an o.o.p. split 12" vinyl picture disc (Dos Fatales Records) with Burning Witch on the flip side in September 2004.
But the sound expanded and excitement in the doom community built as the line-up shifted and expanded. Guitarist John Schuller (Master Musicians of Bukkake) was drafted, replacing Carlson. Also added was organist/instrument-tweaker Troy Swanson (chief apprentice for renowned sound-installtionist Trimpin). The band played live with this line-up until again stepping into the studio to work on a full length album in June, 2004. At this point, added to the line-up of Asva was Trey Spruance (Secret Chiefs 3 / Mr. Bungle) on guitar, piano and tubular bells and Jessika Kenney (Gamelan Pacifica / Black Horse) on vocals. To make matters worse, Billy Anderson (producer/engineer for bands like Sleep, Melvins, High On Fire, Fantômas and Sick Of It All) was brought in to assist in the recording of tracks for the album, which was already in the very capable hands of producer/engineers Randall Dunn and Mell Dettmer.
The band cite many influences, from Neurosis to Pink Floyd, but never fall into the trap of replicating their idols, delivering a fresh, stunningly powerful sound. This sound was successfully captured on their debut long player, recorded at both Oldwell, and Fisher Street Studios under the watchful eyes of Johannes Rowlinson and Nic Jay respectively.
Brutality and fervour are in equal measures as always, and musically the band's cohesion and the force of each instrumentalist individually sharpens just that bit every time. Their wild contortions never seem to meddle at all with the technically complex parts, and the fraught pace and texture benefit from an accompanying visual onslaught. These Monsters are certainly becoming an increasingly fearsome and excruciatingly impressive live prospect. Viewing is only recommended if you have a weighty piece of furniture to hide behind...........
quality line up. I purchased asva's latest album yesterday. All i need to do now is plan ahead, being a week night i'll be scheduled to work, unless i can swap my nights.