Matmos – the electronic duo comprised of Drew Daniel and Martin Schmidt – have been creating, constructing and collaging sonic ephemera since the mid 90s. With each album they release, Daniel and Schmidt seem to have thrown each other a gauntlet, between them creating compositions based around the collection and processing of particularly unorthodox sounds. Sometimes compared to artists like Steve Reich, and certainly to Pierre Henry (the ‘father’ of Musique Concrete), Matmos have created albums entirely from the sounds of surgery (A Chance To Cut Is A Chance To Cure), used the sound of a bovine uterus (on their venerative album The Rose Has Teeth In The Mouth Of A Beast which pays tribute to notable queers), and on their first self-titled effort sampled the nerve signals of a crayfish.
Read the full interview by Nix Lowrey HERE
Matmos perform with J Lesser at themacin Birmingham this Sunday tickets are available HERE
We’re intrigued and so should you be – see you there.
Fresh from catapulting Kings Heath into the cosmos courtesy of Chrome Hoof a mere two days beforehand, Capsule returned to terra firma to give us a much earthier proposition this time round. On an oppressive, balmy Saturday evening the Hare & Hounds played host to the intriguing lineup of Tweak Bird and Wolves in the Throne Room, both of them playing their sophomore gigs for the Capsule ladies. A curious lineup on paper, with the stripped down stoner of Tweak Bird up against WITTR’s heady, trance-inducing spin on black metal, but in practise it worked splendidly.
Tweak Bird took to the stage at the almost ungodly hour of half past seven in front of a crowd who were appreciative of their efforts from the get go, certainly none of the stereotypical BM arms-crossed, brow-furrowed ‘grimmness’. After their blow-away slot supporting Lightning Bolt at the tail-end of last year it was satisfying to discover that nothing had changed from what struck me so much at that particular show, and most importantly there was a sense of familiarity with the material that I didn’t have last time round.
Blessed by a full-throttle, take-no-prisoners sound mix, the sheer volume forced people to take notice, never mind the fact that it was impossible to peel your eyes away from the absolutely powerhouse drumming from Ashton Bird, coming across like a hyperactive cousin of Keith Moon and Wizard-era Mark Greening.
There has always been a healthy fanbase of stoner rock in all its different sub-genres and splintered factions in Birmingham, aided in no small part to the sterling work done by promoters Capsule, who have consistently provided a stage for some of the worlds finest artists in this field. After winding down 2009 with appearances by Electric Wizard, Isis and Sunn o))) amongst others, and with a Baroness show in January, you’d have been forgiven for assuming there’d be more to follow swiftly in their wake. But nothing. Bit of IDM, some Krautrock legends. And then, out of the blue, confirmation that Capsule had nefariously been toying with us. Waiting to drop their bomb.
Eyehategod are playing Birmingham.
….
No doubt about it, this was not a show for the unconverted. EHG’s sound and ethos is extreme, aggressive and unashamed. They write anthems for the sick, for the outcasts and losers of the world; and for what the band lack in the way of financial success or just plain good luck, they take their reward in the love and respect that everyone here threw their way for every minute of the set. And probably a fair bit of drugs as well. This was a show for the fans, and if you own even a single Eyehategod CD you should have been here, it was truly amazing.
So the birthday celebrations come to an end tomorrow and for the closing party we are keeping things local – so if you’re not from round these parts it’s time for an education in Birmingham underground music. Showcasing both acts that have stalked Capsule shows since the early days and the brand spanking new, this frenzied party of dark lords, Barbie dolls, sweat and growls should round things off nicely.
Doors are at 6 – yep it’s an early one. There’s a free gift to the first 100 through the door plus a raffle, short films and snacks to go alongside the wealth of incredible local artists.
Many folks have asked for a running order so here is an approx one give or take 5/10 minutes:
Doors 6.00pm 6.45 pm Stinky Weasel Teats
7.45 pm Una Corda
8.55 pm Kipple
9.10pm Health & Efficiency
10.10pm Modified Toy Orchestra
11.20pm PCM
1.00 am Curfew
This will be sprinkled with various DJ sets – expect a fair bit of reach and grab action!
Attila Csihar in one of his many terrifying costumes
An absolutely stunning show by both OM & SUNN O))) last night at the Asylum, the low end rumblings set car alarms off throughout the neighbourhood. Not to mention the low level fog that covered Birmingham after the show – incredible!
The security at the venue were none to0 impressed
Tonight further theatrics in the form of PRAM accompanied by visuals by Film Ficciones and support from LIGHT TRAP
doors are at 8pm at VIVID, Heath Mill Lane in Digbeth. Just £6 and with a tasty selection of Purity Ale & Barefoot Sines on offer in our bar.
Advanced Tickets http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk
Clearly a popular show here are some more photos taken from the Melt Banana show in 2003 at the Medicine Bar, these have been sent in by Stef Grindley aka Selfctrl
More treats in store for our 10th birthday celebrations – we have just confirmed a show with PRAMand visuals by FILM FICCIONES with support from LIGHT TRAP. Capsule are overjoyed to include these guys, we have had a long standing relationship with PRAM from an early commission with VIVID for the first ever Supersonic Festival back in 2003, to our showcase at Sonar Festivalin Barcelona and our event as part of the launch of Town Hall Birmingham to name but a few spectacular events. Pram at Capsule showcase Sonar 2008
They will be joined by Light Trap, a trio from Birmingham, England comprised of John (Haxan, ex Doom & Sore Throat and of course Brummie Of The Year 2008), Doug (Una Corda) and Nic (ex Napalm Death & Scorn).
They combine blackened and primitive noise rock with progressive and experimental elements.
This show also takes place at Vivid expect mesmerising visuals courtesy of FILM FICCIONES.
This show has a limited capacity and we advice that you purchase your tickets in advance from www.theticketsellers.co.uk
We are delighted to confirm that Geoff Barrow of PORTISHEAD fame will be joining our birthday celebrations with his latest project BEAK>. They will be performing at Vivid, an art space located in deepest darkest Digbeth. Capsule will be taking over the venue for the month of December, with a jammed packed programme of live performances, including special guests MONOTONIX, LIGHTNING BOLT, MODIFIED TOY ORCHESTRA to name but a few, workshops, an exhibition and of course plenty of cake!
BEAK> were formed in January 2009 by three Bristol musicians, Billy Fuller, Matt Williams and Geoff Barrow. Geoff Barrow is a musician and producer best known for forming and producing music group Portishead and part owner of the independent record label Invada Records . They will be joined by EINSTELLUNGwho blend glorious monotonous Krautrock with melodic tones and heavy slabs of Sabbath riffage, whilst finding time to declare sonic warfare on those tinnitus victims who have passed the point of no return. Also on the bill for this very special night are THOUGHT FORMSwho made a real splash at Supersonic Festival 2009. The band take influence from luminaries Sonic Youth, Slint and My Bloody Valentine, blending their structure with inspiration from modern experimental noise bands like Boris, Double Leopards and Emeralds; It is this which gives rise to a more psychedelic sound.
This show has a very limited capacity so advanced tickets are advised- www.theticketsellers.co.uk
Capsule released a limited edition (1/500) double vinly entitled ‘‘Wings Of Desire’ by Einstellung with artwork by the very talented Lucy McLauchlan – you can purchase that HERE
Efterklang play in Birmingham on Thursday 29th of October at The Asylum in Hockley, support from Nancy Elizabeth.
Advanced tickets from www.thetisketsellers.co.ukPolar Bear in Kings Heath + Swordfish Birmingham city Centre
Just in time for the Einstellung show on Saturday Capsule Recordings are very proud to be releasing this very special limited edition heavy weight double vinyl release ‘Wings Of Desire’. Artist Lucy McLauchlanhas been commissioned to create a beautiful gatefold sleeve, reflective of the bands industrial roots.
From the deepest depths of the industrial heartlands of Middle England comes a small ray of light. Since late 2003 a warm glow has steadily grown into what can only be described as a fireball. From this point on let this gentle fireball be known as Einstellung.
Blending glorious monotonous Krautrock with melodic tones and heavy slabs of Sabbath riffage, whilst finding time to declare sonic warfare on those tinnitus victims who have passed the point of no return. www.myspace.com/einstellung
There are just 500 of these beauties so don’t miss out – you can purchase them via our shop or come along on Saturday to the Hare & Hounds to see Einstellung perform live supporting Aethenor (members of Sunn 0))), Guapo, Ulver and Shora), don’t forget there will also be a very special secret guest playing!!!
So the birthday celebrations come to an end tomorrow and for the closing party we are keeping things local – so if you’re not from round these parts it’s time for an education in Birmingham underground music. Showcasing both acts that have stalked Capsule shows since the early days and the brand spanking new, this frenzied party of dark lords, Barbie dolls, sweat and growls should round things off nicely.
More treats in store for our 10th birthday celebrations – we have just confirmed a show with 
Pram at Capsule showcase Sonar 2008
We are delighted to confirm that Geoff Barrow of PORTISHEAD fame will be joining our birthday celebrations with his latest project BEAK>. They will be performing at Vivid, an art space located in deepest darkest Digbeth. Capsule will be taking over the venue for the month of December, with a jammed packed programme of live performances, including special guests 
