cortex

Ming & Ping's Cult Of Personality Tour With Mike Diva & NVR-NDR Invades California Space!

Sun, 27 May 2012 04:34:00 +0100

The blog feels primed to explode all of a sudden, because that "other" great passion of mine has been summoned by some local folks, ready to inspire with colorful laser volleys at the ready.

Things are about to become a little spectacular around the greater LA area in the coming weeks. Three of the region's most imaginative indie music projects will be joining forces as The Cult Of Personality tour makes with the sonic mirth & mania, headlined by synthpop darlings, Ming and Ping!

For those unfamiliar with the San Francisco-based duo comprised of twin brothers, their unique and beguiling melange of high style dancepop, and moody club music has garnered a steadily powerful following. Even receiving a significant amount of notoriety via not only their music, but their one-of-a-kind visual presentation (IE-some truly standout costume design) which has even garnered them an appearances on multiple high profile ads. Also worth mentioning, is their live show which often takes a page from classical Cantonese Opera, which makes for a thrilling contrast to the often Bloc Party/New Order-inspired sounds.

Joining the boys, are a pair of projects that continue to wrek havoc on established genre barriers, and offer up exciting new possibilities.

First up, is the wildly unpredictable, and infectious fun that is Mike Diva. An often hard to peg ball of creativity led by the inimitable Mike Dahlquist, which mixes electronic dance, punk, and various otherworldly elements into an unforgettable hyperkinetic experience. His YouTube-shared videos are also well known for their mindbursting visuals, and idiosyncratic humor. Not convinced of this project's wide-reaching diversity & power? How's this for a great sample?

And then launching matters above and beyond the safe-o-sphere, are the ambitious DIY stylings of NVR-NDR.

Image Courtesy Of Alexandra Brown

An ever evolving celebration of all things anime and geek visual culture, mingling with some truly wild beats, vibrant aural colors, and attitude. Never known for settling for a safe cubby to reside in, it is an ever exploratory process of upping the musical ante, utilizing a multitude of techniques and machines where one never truly has a fix on what wild, intergalactic destinations the NVR-NDR sound could land next. Founding member, Taylor Shechet's underdog epic of a project is homemade music of the most imaginatively free. Having previously appeared at pop culture events such as Anime Expo, it is clear that things can only become more fun and expansive from here.

Initial date is to be at the Grand Star Jazz Club over in LA's Chinatown on Monday, June 4th, where the trio of acts will be joined by a number of special guests, including The New Division, and the DJ work of Club Underground icon, Liz O!

So keep on the lookout, as this incredible team-up is primed to excite, and perhaps offer up the kind of thrill one cannot simply get at the local multiplex this summer.

Stay Tuned!

http://mingping.ning.com/

http://www.youtube.com/mikediva

http://www.tttlllrrr.blogspot.com/

http://newdivisionmusic.com/

Film Review: The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On (1987)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:01:31 +0100

Kenzo Okuzaki is a small restaurant owner in Hyogo, who's life in the years following World War II, have granted him a singular and controversial position in Japanese society. Having once done time for allegedly shooting at Emperor Hirohito with pachinko balls, killing a real estate broker, as well as littering the city with porno flyers again implicating Hirohito, it seems that the life of a war veteran had seen its share of latter life struggle and friction with the public at large. But it is mere prelude according to Kazuo Hara as he documents with unflinching detail, the lengths at which this one man would go to in search of a truth behind the deaths of two fellow unit mates who were stationed with him in a garrison in New Guinea near the very end of the conflict. Make no mistake, Kenzo Okuzaki is a man on a mission, and The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On is a one of a kind record of sheer, unerring rage.

By the mid-1980s, director Kazuo Hara had well established himself as a provocative voice in the documentary world with films often dealing with societal outsiders and the lives of those around them, but in Kenzo Okuzaki, we have perhaps what is the most outrageous example of an incorruptible soul in a society eager to just let matters pass in the name of peace. But virtually every level in this man's life is composed of anger against the society that continues on, even as he covers his business in controversial statements painted by himself. His vehicle could even be recognized from quite a distance, retrofitted with a powerful megaphone atop it, and again covered in political messages. As a local fixture, he is both admired and concerned over, even to the point that local police advise him to not continue on with his on camera crusade which includes meeting with surviving members of his old unit, and often applying intense pressure in hopes of discovering the truth behind what he feels are unjust murders by higher command officers. Even going toward intense lengths to planning an unfunded, and possibly illegal trip to New Guinea with family members possible far too old or poor to even accompany him. (At one point, he even enlists the participation of two siblings of these dead soldiers to come with him as he finally takes on higher officials in their places of business! Something that inevitably backfires as the siblings eventually cannot continue due to his ferocious, clearly out of boundaries approach.)

Matters only exacerbate when it becomes frighteningly clear that Okuzaki is unafraid to cross the final line, and ready to extoll violence upon those who seem resistant to his questioning. And then, the single craziest element of Emperor's Naked Army rears its disturbing head to the viewer, that Okuzaki is unafraid of exhibiting any manner of self-control in the name of what he considers the "god's truth".(and wilder yet, Hara rarely to never steps in to stop him as the camera keeps rolling) Even if it becomes apparent that many of these servicemen late into their retirement years may not remember at all what truly happened, or perhaps have been fabricating so many events over the years, that no discernible truth could ever come to light. The seat-squirming power of the film cannot be underestimated, as Hara continues to soldier on in following Okuzaki's quest which becomes more and more desperate as the film goes on. His tendency toward "justified" violence as is also frighteningly captured. No matter the case, he carries this as a point of pride. And despite all this, Okuzaki's wife back at home carries the torch in support of his burning feelings. And one of the most impressive counterpoints to all of his often troubling behavior, is just how forthright he is, often ready to call the police himself when things reach a boiling point(which they do, with distressing frequency).

However, Hara and crew do finally step back soon after Okuzaki returns from Indonesia (where footage was confiscated by their government), with plans to take truly drastic actions against a high-ranking officer he believes is lying about the film's most disquieting questions, often leading to revelations of greater atrocities committed on the battlefield. It is in his final actions that the film has reached it's penultimate crescendo, that leaves not only large questions regarding the elusive nature of truth in a time of peace, but also of filmmaking ethics themselves. The film pitts both Okuzaki and Hara in places that may be at odds with audiences, but there is a deep immediacy to the record of both in this piece that is a relentlessly powerful testament to both the immediate power of film, and of those restless souls endlessly at odds with the society around them.

The Cortex Re-Awakens!

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:22:55 +0100

There were few excuses beyond an inability to step out as much as one would like, but such is life in LA. How are you all doing?

After well over half a year's worth of inactivity, I've gone and decided that The Cortex will remain a home for posts regarding local art/geek events, as well as the status of current projects. And as Cel Count Media continues at half speed with shows such as Double Chop, and The Wandering Kaijyu's focus now centers on reviews and occasional commentary, it felt like proper time to dust off the halls of V.Zero, and prep it for something potentially familiar, with a unique bent. As such, I may even share reviews of certain works/films that a blog like The Kaijyu seems ill-prepared for, or projects that catch my fancy that contain a more broad range within them.

And with that, on with the new posts! (Hope to see you here again!)

Symbiotic Love Affair: Little Tokyo Design Week 2011

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:13:34 +0100

This weekend, I had the fortune to have the time off in order to partake in the sights and sounds of this year's edition of Little Tokyo Design Week, which was lovingly dubbed "Future City". An open, free celebration and exploration of art, arcthitecture, design, and work toward advancing urban living. Featuring an impressive number of minds who's looks into Japan's future, and how it applies to works happening at this very moment in parts of the Los Angeles area. Featuring sponsors such as the California Arts Council, National Endowment For The Arts, Woodbury University School Of Architecture, and Colornet Press among many others, Future City is something of a fusion between artistic expression, and social conscience - all in the name of possibility.

Presenting speakers included Hitoshi Abe, Benjamin H. Bratton, Elizabeth Diler, Machiko Kusahara, and even Hiroki Azuma.

Throughout several major sections of L.A.'s Little Tokyo, art "cube" installations were placed, displaying varying concepts, and works. Here are a few I happened to catch while there.

(Even Eric Nakamura & Giant Robot had a cool cube for the week's events..)

Couldn't get enough of these LA Home designs. Simply fantastic miniature work.

An interesting addition to the cube set. A mini-theater was set-up featuring anime auteur Koji Morimoto's surrealist Genius Party Beyond short, Dimension Bomb. Mostly centered around the rocky relationship between two unique souls, it is a beautiful, yet troubling piece punctuated by hallucinogenic imagery, something Morimoto's been known for. (Other works include Ken Ishii's Extra music video, Noizeman Sound Insect, Eternal Family, Magnetic Rose from MEMORIES, and possibly most well-known for Beyond from Animatrix)

An exhibit, in constant motion by way of a pile of postcards & memories. Not unlike the city itself.

Sincerely wished I had the ability to attend more of the lectures and symposiums, but this was still worth braving the weather for. So many ideas to consider. In lieu of the tragedies that have struck Japan over the last year(Donations were being accepted throughout the fair, and a few displays also shared visions of the nation's struggle to progress despite calamity), it is heartening to see the spirit of art and science continue to blossom new ideas forth in the means to grant a much more complex, and optimistic future.

FINALLY: New tetsujin In The Works

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:37:27 +0100

After months of endless blogging, talking, podcasting, and inevitably worrying; we finally have some new tetsujin on the way!

For those unfamiliar, this is more or less where I break out my watercolors and just have at it. Tetsujin is more or less soundtrack material for imaginary unproduced films, as well as for those curious. It's been a fun thing to come back to this after nearly a nine month absence, and this track will hopefully be a sign of things to come. In fact, a part of me is leaning towards an arsenal of new songs to appear here, Bandcamp, as well as via a new project that should be appearing on Soundcloud very soon.

But for now, I offer you this video version of "reach" which is something that is pretty difficult to describe as it was a tune that had been plaguing my mind over the last few months, and just now finally found its place in the physical. (or at least as physical as internet-downloads can be anyway)

At any rate, here we go & hope to be sharing more soon!

Regarding Radio Silence: March 2011

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 06:48:00 +0100

So this is more or less my way of filling in for the time that so much isn't getting done.

Again, apologies for all the quiet over the last few weeks. Seeing as how survival has been on the forefront of everything else these days, it begs the question as to when this hiatus of sorts was going to happen. It was only so much time before it felt sensible to stop the blogs, events, and podcasts in order to make sure there was a way to get back to funding these endeavors. Because this is precisely what it's all about. And ever since moving here from the deserts of South Cal, I have never experienced such a challenge to not only my livelihood, but my own survival.

Not that this is in anyway a lost cause. In fact, this is far from the case. But it has been strenuous enough to not spend the usual amounts of time required to get a large post in the form I prefer, or a well-edited new episode ready for download. There simply has been not enough time in a regular day to make it feasible without losing sleep.

All of this said, the gears are still turning loudly in the labs. I'm still in the process of editing a podcast that for all intents and purposes was a technical disaster the night it was recorded. And even though the notion of "doing it in post" has led to what is easily the biggest quagmire I have yet to experience with Combo Attack!!, there is this spark of fun regarding the whole undertaking. It will hopefully make for a memorable episode, featuring a great returning guest, and some truly telling looks at a film staple that has evolved massively in only a few short years. There are also some early versions of some new posts in the works as well.

So yes, silence is still in effect for just a while more. But rest assured that Twitter will remain consistent with news, views, and other minutae. The home stretch seems in sight, so here's to soon. :)

Also in the works is some additional music work that will hopefully lead to some very interesting updates around here soon, so stay tuned & be well!

February Ends On A Wild Note In Pasadena!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:14:42 +0100

Despite the recent radio silence, it's gonna be a brain-bursting color bath this end of February!

That's right, Combo Attack's quirky theme music alchemist, beat master, and all around cool dude, NVR-NDR is coming to The Terrace Pasadena with an impressive lineup led by none other than SF-style synth wunderkin Ming & Ping!

For those unfamiliar with the infectious dancefloor charm of Ming & Ping...

Hong Kong-born identical twins Ming & Ping are known world-wide for their polished and unique brand of energetic synthpop. Catchy vocal hooks, retro-infused dance beats, eye-catching costume changes, and a dancing monkey make up Ming & Ping's highly stylized live performance. Ming & Ping have shared stages with many prominent artists including She Wants Revenge, Rusko, and Major Lazer, and have recently returned from a West Coast tour with Freezepop.

Check this out.

Add the brilliance of Kissing Tigers, Kid Static, and the beats of DJ BZRRP!! And you have a one-of-a-kind night of incredible sights & sounds!

Details:

February 26, 2011

9pm - 2am

@ the Terrace

443 East Colorado Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91101

$8 / Full bar / All Ages

ALSO: I just took a good listen to NVR-NDR's upcoming remix collection? Holy IYGWIYDVWIDYVWDVWLY....It is so worth picking up upon release. Just sayin'. :D

Will update when I get a date!

Cortex Titans: Reflections of A Fabulous Life

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:44:03 +0100

She was something out of classic literature. The seemingly unrealistic construct of an overactive imagination, desperate for the world to be beholden to a character far too large for the world it was sharing. In fact, it almost seemed too perfect that such an entity would exist on any relatable plane. You know the character of which I speak. They're usually the one with all the cool one liners, easy answers, and a seemingly unstoppable magnetic charm.They often appear when the lead character is in a bind, and is in need of a little color to broaden the internal scope. Lives like this couldn't possibly exist in our world, right?

Wrong.

You see, Lisa Nguyen was more than merely a member of a close-knit circle of local artists with great influence upon other communities, she was a confidant, cheerleader, cruel disciplinarian, instigator, and a caring friend upon which so many of us may not have sought out our fortunes without meeting. She was that one in a million type of spirit that could light up any dark room with attitude, and a mouth, and a stare. Which is why so many of us felt the earth lose a vital element upon her tragic passing in January. There aren't enough words to be shared here about her influence, and the fiery trail she often left behind with those she encountered.

One of my most cherished memories involves running into her and friends for Japan Nite 2007, where she essentially scooped my roomie and I toward the front and center stage in a crowded Knitting Factory for bands such as ORESKABAND, Go!Go!7188, Asakusa Jinta & 50 Kaitenz. All the night, we were host to such character and love for both the show and the crowd, as she took it upon herself to lead the "east" side of the crowd to a loudness match with the "west".

It was a rowdy, unforgettable night that solidified her role in my world, which had only begun a few years prior when she and friends met my party of pals at an anime convention of all places. This girl was everywhere, and seemed to have no real barriers to speak of. To say that she was a significant inspiration in my life, even as a casual buddy who'd visit roomies often would be an understatement.

Which brings us to her impact upon so many in arts communities the world over with her colorful attitude, creative vision, and unmitigated moxie, which is what led so many to dedicate their works to her in a sumptuous gallery tribute that took place at the Fine Arts department of Cal. State Long Beach. (ground zero for much of her college life, and closest friends)

Lisa photo courtesy of Shane Redsar

The Werby Gallery was a terrific host for The Fabulous Life Of Lisa Nguyen, featuring a stunning display of mixed medium works, sketches, paintings, digital pieces & crafts made with all the energy, wit, and irreverence of the incredibly real person who inspired them.

Here is taste of the gallery:

A part of me really regrets not being there for the gallery's opening ceremonies due to illness, but on the positive side, the ability to drink in so much astonishing artwork was enhanced by being there on an early Tuesday afternoon. So the following image gallery is a summation of my visit with details where my camera came though, so deepest apologies to those whose names were missed. There was just so much beauty around that I became a little shutterbug greedy. Now onto the full photo gallery..All proceeds from this show were for a memorial scholarship in her name.

And lastly, one of the large highlights at the show was a collection of Lisa's own personal works including early paintings, sketches, and rough ideas donated by friends and family. A candid, and lovely means to round out a heartfelt collection of feelings & impressions.

In summary, if all of the feelings that would well up inside, motivating us to make our own grand marks on the planet had a face, it would be Lisa for me. She was simply the kind of person that would burn themselves into your mind when thinking about your potential. There never seemed to be anything she would hold back on. And in that sense, she was among the most relentlessly inspiring folks I have ever had the privilege to meet. And whenever I feel stuck, worried, or unsure, she is one of those few impressions that come rushing back to remind me that it is the journey that counts, and not the longevity. "Twice as bright, half as long" Her brightness will endure with us as long as we keep tending our own personal fires with love & energy.

Thanks again, Lisa.

Time For Thanks (Among Other Things..)

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:42:35 +0100

Sure, it can be remarked that there's no real reason to post anything today, let alone a new Cortex post since this isn't regarding any new projects. But it truly feels as if there's a need to give some thanks to what has been both a busy as well as pensive year. So let's get into what I feel is worth giving thanks to, because for what its worth, there is plenty that I'm sure friends and family could do well not to hear me spout out at the table. (Perhaps another reason blogs exist?)

I'm thankful for..

*The ability to create several spaces with which I can help share ideas & thoughts with friends & beyond.

* A really fun first year with http://wanderingkaiyu.blogspot.com . An experiment that seems to be working.

*Some great events, that came at great expense, but made up for via some wonderful meetups & encounters. I'll never forget them.

*An opportunity to see certain industries from all-new inside angles, and re-energizing old comraderies in the process.

*A surprise sequence of events that has led to a podcast (http://comboattackpodcast.wordpress.com) that has come to become an extension of V.Zero that will likely be indispensable as time rolls on. BONUS: having some truly worthwhile co-hosts, and some terrific guests. You are all the best.

A Jumble Of Busy...

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:32:13 +0100

For those not hip to the rumblings at Twitter, it's been modestly busy around here with a new job hunt gaining steam alongside prepping for a new filmed project, as well as these little goodies I have to share.

As mentioned before, the Combo Attack!! podcast is officially under way with a megacool hour's worth of fun while Al, Joel I share memories of Steve Lisberger's great mutation on the back of the mouse, TRON! And you can either check us out at our home site, or hell....here you go!

And also coming through on the pipeline...is the now available album of Johan Ess' impressive tribute to 16-bit gaming madness with THOUGHTWAR.

Seriously..give it a good listen. It is badass, and oh-so appropriate in this pre- Scott Pilgrim week.(Should you be interested check this and this out! ) Much work continues!