CULTCHA Clash Outer National Album Review:

Mark Stewart - VS

(2022 eMERGENCY heARTS)

Mark Stewart - VS (2022 eMERGENCY heARTS)

Fresh for 2022, Mark Stewart is at it again. This time in the form of a digitally released collaborative project with an all-star lineup of guests who are kindred in a free-thinking, status quo challenging aesthetic in art.

EBM commandos, Front 242 guest on the first track, 'Rage Of Angels' which hits as hard as a soup can chucked at a dome. The arpeggiated synths reminiscent of a slow-paced 'I Feel Love' by Donna Summer, the sample used on Mark's track, 'Fatal Attraction.' Stewart's cryptic lyrics delivered with an urgency that is reflective of the state of a world on the edge of destruction.

'Cast No Shadow (Leather Strip Mix)' features Stephen Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire / Wrangler) and Eric Random. It is an electro funk banger.

'The Last Enemy' is produced by West Coast stalwarts Mark Pistel / Consolidated, the heavy, Tackhead-esque beat is doubled up with a drum 'n' bass break to devastating effect.

'Ghost Of Love' is one of the standouts, featuring Eric Random, it's deranged techno sound is infectious, and is the perfect platform for Mark's heavily affected rant.

Previously released on 12" single, 'Outlaw Empire (Adrian Sherwood Dub Mix)' with Nun Gun is an excellent, abstract version on which Mark refers to "The collapse of everything."

KK Null, old-school Japanese noise artist guests on 'New Error,' which is spoken word over sonic terrorism, eventually morphing into a distorted breakbeat and what sounds like digital annihilation... "Fear is the weapon, no sanctuary."

KK Null appears again, this time with Mike Watt (Minutemen) from what is likely to be the most conventional rock song that one will find on the album, 'All My Senses' is its title. Being that Watt has been a known fan of The Pop Group, this is a logical collaboration that feels like the artists really enjoyed recording it. Null's contributions are surprisingly complimentary to the instrumentation and vocals.

More on the sonic terrorism front, Bristol's Ye Gods appears on two tracks, bringing the uncompromising noise to new levels.

The album closes with 'Alpha,' a project with the late, great Lee "Scratch" Perry and visual artist Peter Harris, mixed by Adrian Sherwood. Proceeds from the single's initial release went towards the famous Alpha Boys School in Jamaica, at which many of reggae's original players of instruments were educated. Perry and Stewart wanted to create a song for children with this one, which is evident upon listening, although it's thoroughly enjoyable by all ages.

The CD and Digital release are available at Bandcamp from eMERGENCY heARTS, an Austin, TX based label. There are four Lathe-Cut 7" Picture-discs of songs from the album available in limited quantities, as well. Get 'em while you can!

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