Aqua-Eroticum - I Think It's Fine

I've been meaning to do another Pusdrainer post, but I'm going to put it off a bit longer in favor of sharing an artist that hasn't appeared here yet. In my mind at least, Aqua-Eroticum was one of the most prominent artists in sketchy, scummy US power electronics just a few years ago. One of the most striking features of the project for me is Tom's unique vocals. I don't know if it has to do with the effects he uses or if it's just the way his voice is, but it always sounds uncomfortable, even pained, like filth, sickness, and shame personified. Tom has been done with the project for two or three years now, but there's still a final tape due to come out on Uninvited Records this year.
The first three tracks on here are studio recordings (well, more like bedroom recordings no doubt but you know what I mean) and the last track is two songs from a live performance in Tennessee. Since they're so different in sound and about equal in length, I think of this release as coming in two parts. It's kind of surprising that (as far as I know) this wasn't released on tape, honestly.
The first three songs are creeping death industrial bordering on dark ambient. This is the most subdued material I've heard from Aqua-Eroticum but also arguably the creepiest sounding. I think it actually works best when you don't give it your full attention. Focus on something else while this plays and let it get inside your head and leave you feeling vaguely uneasy.
The live songs on here are a whole different experience. In this setting I feel more anger and disgust in Tom's voice as opposed to the feelings I talked about before. The noise sounds raw in the way that live electronics does, but it's a good recording. I find myself listening to these songs more than the first three, but I wouldn't say that the live material is better necessarily. It's just that there's more immediacy to this half, whereas the first half requires a certain mood and setting in order to be effective.
This was self-released three years ago and I highly doubt that a lot were made, so copies randomly turning up for sale on discogs are probably about your best bet and/or only hope if you want one.

Download