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Concert Tue Feb 15 2011
The Return of Robert Turman
This weekend was supposed to be what is now becoming a once-yearly event, namely the return of metal percussion wizard extraordinaire Z'EV to Chicago's welcoming arms and the accommodating third-floor experimental safe-haven Enemy (1550 N. Milwaukee, floor three). Sadly, an airline merger collided mid-air with Z'EV's impending plans, so he will not be here. However, the gig as assembled will still be on the shortlist for most hotly anticipated of the year.
The biggest news is a rare Chicago appearance by Robert Turman. A founding member (along with Boyd Rice) of NON, Turman's industrial bona-fides are beyond question. His early tape releases featured snarling guitar figures over primitive drumbox and throbbing synth -- a dream for fans of early Cabaret Voltaire and DAF. He planted his flag in the sand for keeps in 1988 with the eleven year-spanning, eight-cassette boxset (!) Chapter Eleven (briefly reissued by Hanson a few years back, and slated for eventual CD treatment). Recently, Dais Records reissued an early Turman tape, Way Down, as an LP in an edition of 500 copies. Turman has seen a spike of activity in recent years, collaborating closely with Hanson Records' Aaron Dilloway (ex-Wolf Eyes) and issuing both new and archival material on various formats. Turman's return to Chicago after many years is a huge deal for industrial rock fanatics. Give him a king's welcome, why don't you.
Also on the bill: a duet performance by electroacoustic alchemist Olivia Block with Lou Mallozzi; Karl Paloucek, whose combination of metal percussion, piano, and amplified sewing machines always goes down a treat; and Startless, a duo featuring Blake Edwards of Vertonen and Ohio's Jason Zeh. Zeh's specialty is obscure but rigorous tape manipulation, while Edwards will stick primarily to one of his new favorite axes, the turntable. Prepare to be dragged through the analogue muck. This show coincides with the release of their debut record.
Show starts at 9:00, admission is $7 $10.