Every bone in my body is trying to get me to stop writing this: “I love ASSS!” Haha, but, seriously, you should definitely check out the band ASSS, because frankly they’re one of the most interesting groups in Portland right now that transcend the boxed genres and “waves” of the dark, minimal, synth variety. The duo of Sean Sumler and Alex Smith have seamlessly made the transition from harsh experimental noise punk to synthpop to tough-ass(s) analog EBM with refreshing interest, sincerity and paradoxically mellow vibes.
Their noise-pop tunes transition seamlessly to the live set that sound melodically like experimental EBM meets Acid House blaring synchronized headbanging electronics and heavy sub. The minimal wave vibe definitely gives way to an industrial-strength body high, a la ’90’s Trent Reznor, but the music itself is intricate and beyond labels. Their pulsating and tonally captivating use of an array of gear from an SH-101, MPC, analog synths, cassette tapes, microphone triggers and natural sounds make them master multitaskers. Their set lies somewhere between MDMA-laced industrial and minimal techno!
