»As individuals we cannot help but be exposed to the tsunami of human effluent. My way of coping with that twisted reality is to take any influence & fuck about with it in way that turns it into an anti humanity & system voice.« This is how J. D. »Hooly« Barnell describes the approach of his persona The Human Aerial. He rose to underground-fame in the 80s via his Industrial Punk band Reducer. Now, he released a compilation of his solo endeavors in »Antenna«. Barnell has written all seven tracks in between 1984 and 1991 and re-recorded three. Unsurprisingly, »Antenna« sounds like a forgotten recording of the Thatcher era. Fans of »Mind«-era Skinny Puppy or early Coil rejoice!
The Human Aerial produces classic industrial – rhythmic racket, full of obscure samples and unclassifiable noise. You’ll hear a preacher warning against Satan and ritualistic singing against the backdrop of a militaristic beat. At the same time, his Reggae and House influences connect The Human Aerial with newer artists like The Bug. Yet, according to the artist, »Antenna« »is Borne of passion rather than ability«. This is both its strength and its weakness. Its weakness, since some of the songs could have benefited from some editing. Its strength, for you can lose yourself in their lovingly sculped details. You only have to be receptive to the alienated joy of creating.
Antenna
