Earth-shatteringly brilliant, inspirational debut LP on 99 Records from New York No Wave front runner Glenn Branca with 'The Ascension'. I can recall very few records in my life that have personally had such a monumental, paralysing effect when experiencing for the first time, yet the noisy, cacophonous heights Branca scales here are fully capable of inducing profound religious experience. Through specific (multiple) guitar tunings, and whilst being staunchly minimal in its ethos, Branca's NOISY symphonies are equally arresting, awe-inspiring and uplifting. You really need to buckle up for this one, It's essential Wagner completely stripped down for arty punks in 80's New York. No less dramatic. The influence of this one continues to permeate anything worth listening to today, whether directly or indirectly. Truly ridiculous record with iconic cover by NYC artist Robert Longo, OG 99 Records copy. (Vinyl VG+, Sleeve VG+, Black Label version).
