Experimental Electronic from The White Mare

From Sydney, Australia, comes The White Mare, the new audio project of artist Alex Woollams. His musical journey began in 2019 as a power-violence project before evolving into the sludge genre. However, the true metamorphosis occurred last year when this project embarked on an abstract direction influenced by the likes of Prurient, Lana Del Rabies, Uboa, Puce Mary, and Xiu Xiu. The result is a captivating experimental noise project unlike anything else out there.

The White Mare endeavour captures the embodiment of musical experimentation. It encompasses elements of industrial, drone and dark ambient, weaving a sound that’s been described as disturbing, atmospheric, ominous and chaotic. Woollams’ lyrics dive into the darkest corners of human emotion, exploring themes of anxiousness, pessimism and self-hatred, providing a sonic exploration of the human psyche at its most vulnerable.

Now he brings us his debut full-length record titled Earth is a Prison, a nine-track album that offers a glimpse into the artist’s tumultuous sonic landscape. “The Cause of All Entropy,” the opening track, serves as an auditory portal to The White Mare’s universe. Gentle pulsating tones and enveloping textures create an almost meditative atmosphere. Sparse spoken-word vocals draw the listener into a trance-like state, while mechanical buzzes inject dissonance and intensity. It’s an ethereal introduction that sets the stage for the album’s journey.

“Life on This Earth Is Brief” emerges with deep oscillating synths, establishing a gritty, rhythmic foundation. Commanding shouted vocals pierce through the mix as instrumental textures rattle and flutter below. The track is a relentless exploration of sonic tension, pushing the boundaries of experimental electronic music.

One of the album’s standout moments arrives with “Understand That Life Is Meaningless and We Must Take Pleasure Where We Can.” Clocking in at nearly eight minutes, this sonic odyssey is a breathtaking showcase of The White Mare’s ability to create highly original, avant-garde soundscapes. Waves of atmospheric tones crescendo into a cacophony of noise, while vocal samples add an eerie dimension to the sonic journey.

The album concludes with “…And Then You Cage It Again,” a track that begins with punchy, splashy drums. Sonic textures take over as the track transitions into a droning swell of synth tones. It’s a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary musical journey; one that challenges listeners to open their minds to the uncharted territories of experimental music.

Throughout the album, The White Mare’s innovative approach to sound creation shines. Woollams employed an ME-80 guitar pedal board to improvise noise, manipulating guitar strings and sound fragments to craft intricate soundscapes. Field recordings, captured with a smartphone, were manipulated to further enrich the sonic palette. Even vocal recordings were subjected to unconventional effects.

With Earth Is a Prison, The White Mare offers listeners a haunting and immersive experience. It’s a musical descent into the abyss of the human mind, a journey that challenges preconceptions and demands contemplation. The album stands as a shining example of the boundless possibilities of experimental music and the power of sonic exploration.

Listen to Earth is a Prison below

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