Continuing his prolific and astounding collaborative BLACK NEEDLE NOISE project of releasing videos and singles featuring different vocalists from around the world, legendary producer / artist John Fryer has released his latest “That Which Watches,” featuring the baritone stylings of Antic Clay. The stark sepia-toned video matches the song’s roots-based expansive texture, taking visual clues from the percussive rhythm. Watch the video now below.
One of a series of songs that Black Needle Noise is releasing consistently and regularly via Bandcamp, “That Which Watches” follows his most recent video “La diosa y el hombre,” which featured Mexican vocalist Azzul Monra. Switching musical gears, the track moves closer to Homeland America with its Americana-tinged atmospherics.
“Like [the 2016 single] ‘Queen of Dust,’ I wanted ‘That Which Watches’ to have a kinda Alt-Country / Noir Americana feel to it so who best to get to sing it and add a bit of slide guitar, none other than Antic Clay,” says Fryer. “I originally got to hear about Antic Clay from [Swans vocalist] Jarboe who loves his voice and recommended I check him out. I liked what I heard and thought he could take the songs in the direction I was looking for and the rest is history.”
Antic Clay, who not only provided vocals but wrote the lyrics as well, adds, “My first impression when I heard John’s instrumental track was that its crackling opening strums and lo-fi piano clunks sounded like they were struggling to rise from some devastated electric saloon. Then the thing explodes into this sweeping and epic theme, blasting to the masses from an apocalyptic machine. I felt it had to go in that direction – something grand and dark haranguing you from the ancient pulpit. Not judging you; but assuring you, you’ll be judged. That which watches. Wants to be played loud.”
Black Needle Noise’s other tracks previously released that features a diverse who’s who of alternative vocalists such as Mimi Page (Delirium), Jennie Vee (bassist, Hole), Ana Breton (Dead Leaf Echo), Omniflux (Puscifer), Kendra Frost (Kite Base), Andrea Kerr (Colt), Sivert Hoyem, ZiaLand among others. “I like to keep people guessing as to what will be released next, not only with sound but now with what language the song will be in,” explains Fryer about his revolving door of vocalists. “I love where Azzul Monraz has taken this song; it’s always surprising when I get the vocals back to hear where the music has taken them.”
Just last week, Black Needle Noise released the three-track 7” vinyl single “I Am You.” Featuring vocals by Dr. Strangefryer on the industrial-leaning title track “I Am You,” the single also features Bill Leeb (Front Line Assembly, Delirium) on “A Shiver of Want” and Tara Busch on “Under My Skin.”