Phillip B. Klingler - CD Player, FX, Laptop, Sampler, Synth, Turntable
Influences
Cabaret Voltaire, David Tudor, Erik Satie, Holger Czukay, John Cage, John Coltrane, Klaus Schulze, Luigi Russolo, Minoy, Nocturnal Emissions, Nurse With Wound, Sun Ra, Zoviet France
Sounds Like
CURRENT RELEASES
PBK / C. Reider- Discorporate(Impulsy Stetoskopu, Poland)
Over the last ten years PBK occasionally sent source material to C. Reider for collaboration, however, the collaboration never came togetther. Suddenly, earlier this year PBK was surprised to find a parcel in the mail from C. Reider with the finished master inside. He played it and found the mixes to be a new kind of 21st century psychedelic drone space music. CD available from Impulsy Stetoskopu.
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PBK / ROE- F(Somnimage, USA)
"F" is the new release by PBK in collaboration with Geary Roe II. PBK/ROE have been working together since 2003, specializing in a unique combination of droning textures, environmental / found sounds and bent-circuitry instrumentation. They have shared the same stage as Wolf Eyes, Hive Mind, Dead Machines, and many other Detroit-area experimentalists. The sound material here is taken from numerous live improvisations the duo recorded in-studio. PBK compiled, remastered and sequenced the tracks specifically for this release. These dark sonic abstractions endeavor to exemplify the mind of Hans Fritzl, the infamous Austrian who raped and imprisoned his daughter for decades. PBK/ROE have created a grim electronic correlation to the world of Fritzl and the psychic sickness he imposed upon his family. CD available from Somnimage/Power Silence.
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PBK - UNDER MY BREATH(Waystyx, Russia)
Collaborating with some of the most brilliant experimental musicians from around the world, PBK has created a work of exceptional depth and complexity. "Under My Breath" is an abstract contemplation on post 9/11 paranoia in the U.S. Most of the album was created in 2004, during the height of the Bush administration's crackdown on human rights via the Patriot Act. The resulting album reveals a new vernacular for dark ambient isolationist music and is an important key to understanding PBK's ambitions in the world of sound. Seeking expression through the use of drones, natural or man-made acoustic sounds, digital glitching and turntable noise, the effect is one of surrealist juxtaposition, not jarring, but totally organic sounding, that can be listened to and savored in an intellectual way. The distinguished guests on this album are Nocturnal Emissions, Wolf Eyes, Brume, Aube, John Wiggins, Tore H. Boe, Artificial Memory Trace, Dale Lloyd, and C. Reider. Released in a limited edition of 500 copies. CD available from Waystyx Records.
REVIEWS: "PBK reveals dark inner leanings of his shrouded mind with Under My Breath, a full-length CD of extremely varied noises – rattlings, phased drones, heavy throbs and gas jets, layers, distorted voices, digital delay, angelic choirs and mangled synthesizers. Not a single track passes by without conveying certain grisly and creepy sensations of imminent death or disaster, while the lyrical track titles allude to bones, skin, meat, children, fire, air and all the matter in the cosmos refracted through this grim prophet's all-seeing eye. His mystic messages are so secret they are printed backwards on the inside of the front cover, but can be read by positioning the silver CD so it acts as a mirror. Cover is also die-cut with small rectangular holes, allowing us to peer into PBK's fevered brain as if through the bars of a prison or a sewer grating. 'I lived beyond extinction so far', he claims, and who dare gainsay that outlandish boast!" (The Sound Projector)
"PBK... is attached to the old and the new, the younger generation of sound artists. Pieces on 'Under My Breath' were recorded with people like Akifumi Nakajima (Aube), Christian Renou (Brume), Dale Lloyd, John Wiggins, Nigel Ayers, Slavek Kwi (Artificial Memory Trace), Tore Boe and Wolf Eyes. PBK uses 'natural or man-made acoustic sounds, digital glitching and turntable noise', but its his goal to create music that is 'organic' and not (too) noise based. He blends his various source recordings together and makes up a sound that falls half way in the old ambient industrial school and the other half shows an interest in using computer processing for his sounds. ...Throughout the material is quite strong. PBK successfully updates his own 'old' style and makes something new out
of it." (Vital Weekly)
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PBK & TELEPHERIQUE - NOISE-AMBIENT CONNECTION(Monochrome Vision, Russia) PBK and Telepherique join forces for this new release of unclassifiable abstract sound-sculptures on the Russian label, Monochrome Vision. Both artists use samples, synthetic sound sources and sequencing to create an unsettling atmosphere of structured electronic patterns ranging from intense rhythmic work to strange psychedelic "out-of-body" soundscapes. Titles such as "Ecosystem Interrupt", "Sun Continue To Shine" and "Seen Through Cloud Cover" offer a glimpse into a future world of unpredictable ecological impact. Released in a limited edition of 500 copies. CD available from Monochrome Vision.
REVIEW: "This particular album is the first ever collaboration between PBK and Telepherique. It represents yet another breakthrough in the search for a music that is comprehensively exploring 21st century ambient music."
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GOVERNMENT ALPHA/PBK - AUDITORY HALLUCINATION OF DROWSY AFTERNOON(Xerxes, Japan) PBK collaboration with Japan's Government Alpha. All sound material recorded during improvised sessions while on the 2004 U.S. "Family Reunion" tour. Mixes PBK's turntablist-noiseambient with Govt. Alpha's unique approach to the Japanoise aesthetic. This one runs the gamut from power electronics to avant space rock to electroacoustic junk sessions. Beautiful full color artwork collages by Yasutoshi Yoshida. CD release available from Xerxes.
REVIEW: "GA and PBK utilise every weapon available in their respective considerable arsenals, distorting, twisting, abusing, transmuting, fragmenting, rending, torturing, compressing, flaying, and finally leaving the ragged remains for dead, lying in a pool of blood, piss and excrement; pulling out the sound of those squealing, screeching microseconds before impact and stretching it past anything it was ever meant to endure. This is a battery of intense magnitude and constancy, never letting up, never allowing for however brief a time any form of respite or relief, it just keeps coming on relentlessly and determinedly. Whatever the original intentions of the creators may have been, I can unequivocally attest to the power and might of this fine collaborative effort, bringing with it the hope that these two might venture to grace us with more of their nuclear vision sometime in the future."
"If you're thinking to the “dark hypnosis” side of PBK, forget about it - here we're dealing with acrid looping, deviated turntablism, whamming-and-thrumming cycles of violence. Yoshida is happy to oblige, featuring all sorts of extravagant mauling of whatever instrument he may be willing to use, imposing a malignant if intelligible regime of perforation of the poor auricular membranes who are going to enjoy this via headphones (once more, be careful if you do). Artistry at work, even in this not exactly a pleasing context - and that's enough with me."
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PBK & BRENT GUTZEIT - PBK/BMG 1(Gameboy Records, USA) Brilliant collaboration teams PBK with Brent Gutzeit of TV Pow. Beautiful CDR in a limited edition of 100 copies available from Gameboy.
REVIEW: "Michigan master PBK has been making beautifully composed noise since I was in grade school and BMG - (aka Brent Gutzeit) should be known to most as CEO of Television Power Electric and as an established Kranky recording artist. These two have a wealth of knowledge in the experimental music realm and skills with almost as much range. With their vast combined talents, the gentlemen produce five uniquely diverse works here, spanning the borders of various subgenres and utilizing everything they could get their hands on. In their warped world guitars become gongs, computers are transformed into human hearts and vinyl breathes. Believe it."
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PBK - RETRO 4CD BOXSET(Waystyx Records, Russia) Massive retrospective featuring Die Brucke & Asesino, two remastered noise classics from 1988, a third disc of early PBK ambient music compiled & remastered by Vidna Obmana, and a fourth "anti-music" disc which lists credits and other info. An instant collector's item! Available from Waystyx Records.
REVIEW: " ...(PBK's) creations have aged splendidly, still sounding modern, disquieting at times, gorgeous more often. A real juxtaposition of hope and despair, confirming PBK as an unsung hero of iconoclastic spellbinding."
"This material is very diverse in form, sometimes calm and hypnotic, sometimes aggressive noise collage and complete models of abstract audio artistry. The infinite labyrinths of dischord and the amorphous sonic sculptures which are turned into the compound circuits of machine improvisation and random processes - all this is capable of turning the heads of the new listener to uncommon musical sensations. Epochal release on the Moscow label, Waystyx..."
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PBK & ADAM MOKAN - SPLIT CD(Cohort Records, USA) Limited edition cd-r with hand-painted cover from Cohort Records. PBK and Adam Mokan(8-Bit Porno) provide exclusive solo tracks for this split release. A fascinating glimpse into the old and new schools of noise music! Available from Cohort Records.
REVIEW: "The entire spectrum of audio unpredictability is analyzed in PBK's soundscapes; reminiscent of his past glories in the post-industrial area, but also a highly skilled hypnotizer (don't forget his collaboration with Vidna Obmana), PBK juxtaposes the scary and the (sort of) sweet in metaphysical potions where one feels like continuously spinning with a hole in the center of the body, flesh constantly ripped by a needle."
"Think of these tracks as sound sculptures for the more enlightened and adventurous listener and you'll be half way there to understanding the music PBK has laid down. Not an easy going or getting into experience but one that rewards those with an open mind and an ear to the left of base form of music. 35+ minutes in the company of PBK is worth every second of the experience."
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PBK - A NOISE SUPREME, EARLY SOLO WORKS 1986-89 CD(XDEY Records, USA) Limited edition cd-r on XDEY! This retrospective release features some of PBK's first recorded works and super-rare tracks from long out of print compilations, hand-picked and remastered by PBK! Original limited edition of 100 copies sold out. Now available as a free download from The Sound Genetic NetLabel.
REVIEW: "Beautiful use of subliminal, tectonic loop constructions, ecstatic slow-mo globes and harsh early industrial sound walls."
"Every track here is a killer..."
PAST RELEASES
VARIOUS ARTISTS - ...IT JUST IS (IN MEMORIAM: JHONN BALANCE) 2CD(Fulldozer Records, Russia) Features PBK, Scanner, Alec Empire, Chris Connelly, KK Null, Thighpaulsandra, Mystified, Schlammpeitziger, Alva Noto, Theodor Bastard and many others. PBK contributes the title track for this 2CD compilation of international experimental and industrial musicians in tribute to the fallen co-leader of Coil. First edition sold out immediately. To order check with Fulldozer.
REVIEW: "Despite Coil's lofty aesthetic, these 27 groups and artists more than rise to the challenge of paying homage to the unpredictable, self-destructive Balance."
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VARIOUS ARTISTS - MITTEN STATE TRANSMISSIONS BOXSET(WHFR/Top Quality Rock & Roll, USA) Features PBK, Govt. Alpha, Wolf Eyes, Mammal, Black Tent, Cotton Museum, Windy & Carl, Hive Mind, Dead Machines and many others. PBK contributes an exclusive collab track with Govt. Alpha(Japan) for this 4CD boxset of Michigan-based experimental, noise, electronic and space rock. Includes a bonus dvd of performances from the Earcandy Festival held in Detroit, with rare live footage of PBK. Available for $20, all proceeds benefit WHFR independent radio. To order please check the WHFR website.
REVIEW: "Adventurous ears the world over are seeking out fringe artists from our own back yard(Michigan), and this rich collection does its best and noisiest to explain why."
"An impressive historical collection and a road map essential to anyone wanting to dive into the rich treasures this scene has to offer."
RELEASES Discorporate [w/ C. Reider] (2009) F [w/ Roe] (2009) Under My Breath (2009) Noise-Ambient Connection [w/Telepherique] (2008) Auditory Hallucination Of Drowsy Afternoon [w/Govt. Alpha] (2007) PBK/BMG 1 [w/Brent Gutzeit] (2007) Retro incl. Asesino, Die Brucke, Traces Of Past Events (2006) A Noise Supreme, Early Solo Works 1986-89 (2006) A Moment Of Infinity [w/Artemiy Artemiev] (2002) Transphere 1997-99 [w/Artificial Memory Trace] (2001) Dreams In Moving Space [w/Artemiy Artemiev] (2000) Life-Sense Revoked (1996) System-Music-End [w/AMK, Jeph Jerman] (1995) Shadows Of Prophecy/In His Throes (1994) Macrophage/The Toil And The Reap (1992) Domineer(1992) Five Manifestoes [w/Asmus Tietchens] (1990) Monument Of Empty Colours [w/Vidna Obmana] (1989) Die Brucke (1988) Asesino (1988) full discography available at http://www.discogs.com/artist/PBK
COLLABORATIONS AMK (USA) Artemiy Artemiev (Russia) Nigel Ayers (Nocturnal Emissions; UK) Tore H. Boe (Origami Replika; Canary Islands) Guillermo Gregorio (Argentina) Brent Gutzeit (TV Pow; USA) Illusion Of Safety (USA) Jarboe (Swans; USA) Jeph Jerman (Hands To; USA) Scott Krauss (Pere Ubu, Home And Garden; USA) Slavek Kwi (Artificial Memory Trace; Ireland) Ron Lessard (Emil Beaulieau, Due Process; USA) Uncle Dave Lewis (11,000 Switches; USA) Athan Maroulis (Spahn Ranch; USA) Akifumi Nakajima (Aube; Japan) Christian Renou (Brume; France) Dirk Serries (Vidna Obmana, Fear Falls Burning; Belgium) Telepherique (Germany) Asmus Tietchens (Cluster; Germany) John Wiggins (HBO Films; USA) Wolf Eyes (USA) Yasutoshi Yoshida (Govt. Alpha; Japan) Zenial (Palsecam; Poland) partial list- for more info: http://www.myspace.com/noiseambient2
PRESS "...A fixture on the US 80s cassette underground and a legend of sorts in the agitprop/noise community. Far more intellectually rigorous than colleagues such as Merzbow, KK Null, or Aube, PBK ushered in the era of the glitch years before annotators ever coined it a term." (E/i)
"This American artist has been recording under the name of PBK for the best part of 20+ years off and on. His music, and the reason you probably won't be familiar with him, places him at the fringes of the experimental jet set. That little area where few dare to venture for fear of what they may hear. The dark recesses of the unknown driving many a listener into the arms of a safer more comfortable channel of music. Those of you however who are acquainted with PBK should meet up with me some day. Maybe we can share a drink together and reminisce about the good old days. Tell our stories about how PBK deserves better and wider recognition and how 'such and such' a release by him changed our lives." (Heathen Harvest)
"PBK started an interesting career in the musical avant garde of the late eighties. His music, between Ambient and Minimalism, soon attracted a remarkable attention given the eminently sinister character that PBK achieved without resorting to typically bleak sound effects." (Amazing Sounds)
"PBK continues his exploration of... noise. Flowing, churning, developing abstract noise textures. I've no idea how they were created or manipulated: they possess an authentic identity of their own somewhere between electronic, mechanical and environmental noise. PBK's aim is to use this unpromising material to reeducate our ears, show us that noise really is nice. His music... really does stand on its own merits, as a new listening experience. Post-apocalypse ambient atmospheres." (EST)
Lee Martin's The Midnight Hour, "Insecticus" Excerpt 2008 (PBK Soundtrack)
Tout Va Bien by PBK (Brume Mix) Video produced and directed by Greg De Liso, 2008.
PBK Live Concert, New Paltz, NY July 2004
PBK & Roe Live Concert Earcandy Festival, Detroit, MI Feb 2004
PBK & Brent Gutzeit(TV Pow) Live Concert, Lansing, MI Sept 2006
Just released under Creative Commons by Just Not Normal: Minds and Machines, the latest release by Fosel. Minds and Machines is available on the JNN Archive.org page.
hope things are well, ive been working on the track for the collab piece. its such awesome material..one of my favorites thanks again for being apart of the project.. this thing will get released eventually..
Thanks a lot! Inspired by the character from the James Frey book A Million Little Pieces... Its supposed to be true but later accounts showed much of the book to be false. Still a fun read though
Hey, I just have to say thank you. Thank you for every time I posted a new blog profile, myspace page, tumblr (any sort of internet site) you've always been the first to add, haha. I appreciate that :)
Killer.I didn't know that was you.I'd like to set up a trade for some PBK stuff if you're into it.Really like the stuff I've heard so far.Cheers. -Josh
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