The dizzying heights of pretentiousness. Oh, that’s what I decided to rename this split EP between legendary Japanese artists Boris and Merzbow. Some who may read this review will probably consider me an asshole for not caring about this collaboration. Fine by me. See this whole affair lasts just shy of 150 minutes. Two hours, 29 minutes and 25 seconds to be exact. So I had a fair amount of time to daydream and check e-mails during Gensho’s (Relapse) running time.

And I can already hear some of you dismounting from the high horse to let me know that both the Boris and Merzbow LPs are meant to be played simultaneously. Well thanks for enlightening me. That only makes this slog last 74 minutes, which is about 20 minutes longer than it should be.

Maybe I should be commending both acts for deciding to take the path less traveled on. But the more I think about Gensho’s gimmick, the more annoyed I get. By sticking with the simultaneous premise you limit how fans can consume the music. I can’t truly listen to it in the car, or through my headphones while at work, now can I? And if I cue it up at home I better have two sets of turntables.

There are some non-drowsy moments. During ‘Rainbow’ I was digging the fuzzed waves of guitar distortion that accompanied the whispery vocals. Boris’ ‘Sometimes’ also plays around with this soft/harsh dynamic with results that are sort of like a drum less Radiohead B-Side.

From what I gather the concept for Gensho was born after a joint gig between Boris and Merzbow. See, that wouldn’t be as frustrating as it’s a one off event that most in attendance likely enjoyed, but don’t ask of me to pay for as an experience that doesn’t translate to listening at home. You remember Metallica and Lou Reed’s Lulu? Gensho doesn’t stray far from that level of self-indulgence.

4.0/10

HANSEL LOPEZ

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