Klangmutationen is composed of individuals who are quite possibly the only figures within Malaysia’s recent history of underground experimental/avant rock music—if there even was one. The word “Klangmutationen” means “Sound Mutations” or “Sound Changes.” Klangmutationen (excluding American Mr. G) hail from a small town on the west coast of Malaysia called Klang. Although no Teutonic connection has ever been found to exist between the German word and the origins of the town’s name, it is nevertheless a happy coincidence for the group. Sonically, Klangmutationen marries the heavier and primitive side of Krautrock with the relentless ferocity of avant-jazz—in particular the style expressed by early FMP releases and the Japanese variety as chiefly approached by the Takayanagi/Abe school. Other influential elements are the countless avant jazz/rock outfits who have surfaced throughout the decades—particularly jazz ensembles with loud electric guitars: Last Exit, New Direction Unit, the Blue Humans (and the Arthur Doyle Quartet feat. Rudolph Grey), Music Revelation Ensemble, Tony Williams Lifetime, Moderne Nordeuropäische Dorfmusik, Blauer Hirsch, The Giancarlo Nicolai Trio, Ray Russel, Derek Bailey’s Arcana, Sprawl, etc.
LP $13.00
10/09/2007