Dalek/Haze XXL

A Purge Of Dissidents

[4/5] I don’t think anybody saw this one coming. Gritty respected graphic artist Dalek has collaborated with former Amphetamine Reptile Records honcho/Halo Of Flies leader Tom Hazelmeyer (aka Haze XXL) for a project involving a book, DVD and CD. Haze coordinated the music, receiving lyrical and vocal contributions from the Melvins, Craig Finn (the Hold Steady), Jon Spencer, David Yow (Jesus Lizard), Grant Hart (Hüsker Dü) and Kenny Greenbaum (Princess Dragon Mom/Mog Stunt Team 555). The CD’s 30 tracks zoom by in 30 minutes, powering through burly, menacing rock you wouldn’t want to encounter in a dark alley. The title "Chromed Smoke" captures the soundtrack’s pervasive aura of aural, sci-fi-flick brutality. As for Dalek’s art and animation, they’re a weird combo of cute and disturbing, inspired by graffiti, psychedelia, Joan Miró and anime. The whole enterprise is a turbulent trip that’ll permanently bruise your retinas and eardrums. (IPECAC) Dave Segal