Let’s get down to brass tacks: like Rodney Dangerfield, I’m a lover, not a fighter. As for cinema, I’m more apt to watch the self-deprecating humor of Woody Allen compared to a horror/gory film. Despite the aforementioned, I continue to return to Avorio, by Cannibal Movie, hungry for more—pardon the pun. Cannibal Movie is the organ and drums duo comprised of Donato Epiro and Gaspare Sammartano. The sound can be characterized as a type of psychedelia, infused with organ and hypnotic, tribal drums. Initially released as a cassette, Avorio was recently re-issued on vinyl by Sound of Cobra Records and Avorio Dischi. Though I am uncertain as to the strength of the correlation between the music and the sub-genre of films—Cannibal films were made popular in the 1970’s and 80’s by Italian filmmakers—there is definitely an association, and the following video should provide a little background.
The video for “Mangiati Vivi,” the last track on side A of the vinyl, depicts denizens of the rainforest in pursuit of invaders. Subsequently, a ritual is performed prior to a feast of foes. The video comes alive with tortuous organ tones and tribal drumming. In the beginning, an eerie organ and some cymbals accompany video of rainforest denizens killing their prey while helicopters circle from above. Next, tribal percussion and organ tones inculcated with effects accompany the pursuit through the rainforest, rituals, and cannibalism. This track moves in several directions, which is emphasized by the almost celebratory sound that is aligned with scenes of dancing and severed heads. As the track ends, the music and video depict the ineluctable outcome: helicopters circle assiduously and the flesh of an invader provides satisfaction for the natives. One thing is for sure, it’s sagacious to treat others with kindness and respect.
This Videodrone brought to you by the Honest Bag. A fairly new addition to the TOME's illustrious blogroll, this dude (simply known as the "Honest Bagger") is just about the friendliest smokehound around, and he's got some damn find tastes when it comes to weirdo art and culture as well. His work on the Honest Bag blog is an exciting development in the way of the 'sphere's coverage of experimental/outsider music, mostly because the Honest Bag exists so freaking far outside of the sphere. Seriously up on some of the craziest, most awesome sounds around by way of cassette and vinyl, the Honest Bag promises to be a consistent go-to for a fresh voice on a scene that hasn't even had time to become "fresh" yet. And what's even fresher than all this freshness? Certainly the buds in the pics that accompany his reviews. So have a visit to the Bag every day and then pass that shit, man.
