Special Feature - Nebraska Noise Scene

In today's world of punk and hardcore, a lot of it's culture has been co-opted to shirts in mall outlets, fests sponsored by mega corporations, and videos shown on cable television channels. Not to mention independent record labels who promote their bands as a "next level" venture. There are still a few genres in the underground that by the very nature of the music and often the imagery of the performances will always be firmly in trenched in the underground . One genre being noise.

Here in Nebraska, the noise scene has been on somewhat of an uprise in recent years. In Omaha, the frequent playing Grab Ass, and the elusive Tiger Blowjob have been playing out. And popular artists Dapose and Fathr^ play out from time to time. Down in Lincoln, the almighty Plack Blague have been proudly waiving the (rainbow) flag of noise and dance for a few years now, and the return of Violator X has added a significant boost in noise shows throughout the area. (I know I am forgetting more artists as I'm writing this, so expect this post to be revised soon. - Keith) Noise shows in Nebraska range from larger events as support to national acts, to the often intimate small shows for only the most die hard of those who seek ear damage.

I asked some of the local noise artists what Noise is to them:

"Freedom. Naked Freedom"

-Grab Ass

Grab Ass is the noise artist who has been playing out the most in the Omaha area. Grab Ass' style in my opinion is more like a journey though noise more so than an actual performance with each act often lasting more than an hour. Lengthy dynamic drones over various loops of distortion and minimalist vocals make surviving a performance an accomplishment in it's own right. Johnny Grab Ass has also teamed up with local scenester Rocha to create the more experimental Tiger Blowjob.

"Noise is the peak of the highest mountain on the path to extreme music... from the attitude of the sounds and visual aesthetic."

-Violator X

The long running regional noise artist Violator X has returned to Lincoln after a stint being based in Minneapolis, MN, and has brought with him a welcomed surge in noise show bookings from regional to international noise artists. A Violator X show varies from performance to performance, but I've noticed a consistent motif of distortion in every show. Armed with an amplified fire axe (no shit), a large box of distortion pedals, and good use of sample loops make Violator X stand out with short bursts that follow more of a straightforward writing approach complete with shouted vocals. Not for the meek.

"... a battle of the senses"

"An unrecognizable sound that is often unpleasant and disturbing... my life!"

-Raws T. Trombone & Sexma Sheen of Plack Blague

One of the more popular local noise acts in Nebraska is Plack Blague from Lincoln. Plack Blague has a unique blend of noise with a strong emphasis on a danceable beat and sexually provocative lyrics. Their live performance is equally a visual experience with stage attire and use of lighted objects. Vocalist Raws is often seen running into the audience never afraid to hip gyrate on nearby viewers. Plack Blague put on one of the most entertaining shows in the area.

Plack Blague - It's Just Not Lube, It's Love In A Tube