Customer Reviews

Receive the Flame

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

NON/Boyd Rice continues to work in the Noise genre as he has since the 1970's. Compared to the other NON material I've heard, this is probably the most listenable and accesible I've heard so far. This album is pretty short, only a little over half an hour, but I think it's just the right length, because it's an enjoyable, full listen and it doesn't drag on. I'm not entirely sure what Boyd was going for on this album as far as the ideology and theme is concerned, I've read some interviews that get into the subject, but to be honest, I don't remember too much about it. Why is this important to the review? Because Boyd is known for his sometimes controversial views and these views tend to tie into the albums, but with the lack of any apparent vocals of any kind things are not as obvious here. The absense of vocals is, in my opinion, a good thing, as I can't see any vocals fitting in too well with the music. Now to the music itself, I'll be frank, it's repetetive, but that's whats good about it, the music is interesting because of this I think. Spectre and Solitude are my personal favorites on this album, Spectre is energetic and in my opinion, kinda upbeat. I find Solitude to be quite beautiful, calming and relaxing. I'm giving it 5 stars, because there aren't really any tracks I don't like and it's a pretty enjoyable album. If you're thinking of purchasing this, I have two pieces of adivce. First, I agree with the reviewer below who advises anyone to research Boyd before purchasing his material, I don't want to turn anyone away from Boyd, but it is important to know EXACLY what you're getting into with this. It can be dark stuff in my opinion and is not for the faint of heart, but there is also the ambiguity of it all and, in my opinion, the very real possibility that Boyd may be joking about certain things, but any matters concering Boyd himself you must research on your own and decide for yourself. Second, regarding this specific album, as stated above, these tracks can be quite repetetive, meaning the same beat/rythm/pattern or whatever over and over for minuets straight with little or sometimes no change in style, in this aspect this may not be for everyone musically. Although, in my opinion this is a great album and I recommend it to anyone who is sure they want to explore teh interesting world of Boyd Rice and NON

Boyd's home page claims that this is a "departure" album. Actually it's more like a "return to form." This was the type of thing that he was doing many years ago... semi-melodic, industrial noise loops. Gone is "might is right" mentality (for now), and as a result, it can be played over and over better than more recent works. Try and get the 7" that this is based on... 7 locked loops that play infinately!

from Boyd Rice. Recieve the Flame is a totally different direction than God & Beast. No words on this one. And better yet no Douglas on this album. Continues to make great sounds/music/noise after 25 years.

for those interested in dark experimental sound, NON(Boyd Rice) was applying looped tapes, industrial sounds and attitude long before anyone thought of such a project. He goes between Venus and Mars. Venus is love Mars is War. No apologies. An Originator.

It took me awhile to get my hands on this 2000 NON release.Why?I dunno,forgot about it.Strange,since I DO enjoy Boyd's work.But I'd heard horrid things about this from fans of NON's God and Beast CD.God and Beast took a different road from the traditional NON sound.It was more structured and produced,Boyd chanting,percussion keeping a semblance of a song in a traditional sense.Doug(Death in june)and Rose(Sorrow,Spell)contribute.I LOVE that album,but Receive the Flame is like a return to pure noise.Though not as brutal as early work,more care,it seems,is applied to the sculpting and recording process.This is noise,but very interesting and soothing.SOLITUDE is haunting and pretty.

Your friends will either stare at you like you've lost your mind, or praise you when you play this cd for them. It is very good. Certainly some of my favorite stuff that I've heard from Boyd Rice. Very listenable depsite its basic foundation in noise. I like the fact that most of the cd seems to have been made using a "real" band --which makes it more interesting, I think. Buy this, darn it; expand your musical horizon if you haven't already done so.

Why would any one want to buy an album of noise ? ? I guess if you need some kind of background noise or sounds if you were making a movie soundtrack..... , otherwise ? ? ?

NON has some awesome noize music. In todays world of hatred , racism , intolerance and apathy- the mindset of this self proclaimed neo-nazi , and head of the church of satan (i do believe this is correct, or at one time was with Michael Monhiyan)-- it is not a needed thing. I love his music- his solo stuff but as I matured and decided to be an adult- I put away childish things and the need for an image of intensity. take it for what it is- make up your own mind--- enjoy the noise- follow your heart and mind about his beliefs and rationalization. We must not forget that htis is the same Boyd Rice who fought in the 1970's for the release of Charles Manson from prison.Dont believe it- do your research--- it is in the Re-Search books , the Industrial Revolution issue that features Cabs, TG , EN ,PTV etc. Dont let my knowledge and opinions make up your mind- listen and make up your own.As I said--- musically- Boyd / NON is a genius for his noise and other "poppier" sounds he has done.

This is one of NON's least essential albums by a longshot. "Receive the Flame" is a monotonous and boring record except for tracks such as the wonderful `Solitude' and the dynamic `Spectre'. Some Non fans considered this album as a masterful return to form after "God & Beast" but the truth is that said album is much better than `Receive the Flame'. The only works by Non which are really worth checking are "Blood & Flame"; his latest instalment "Children of the Black Sun"; the compilation "The Best of Non", and the aforementioned "God & Beast". "Receive the Flame" is only destined for his die-hard fans and not for the casual or objective listener. Buy the single `Solitude' instead.

This is one of NON's least essential albums by a longshot. "Receive the Flame" is an extremely monotonous and boring record except for tracks such as the wonderful `Solitude' and the dynamic `Spectre'. Some Non fans considered this album as a masterful return to form after "God & Beast" but the truth is that said album is much better than `Receive the Flame'. The only works by Non which are really worth checking are "Blood & Flame"; his latest instalment "Children of the Black Sun"; the compilation "The Best of Non", and the aforementioned "God & Beast". "Receive the Flame" is only destined for his die-hard fans and not for the casual or objective listener. Buy the single `Solitude' instead.