No.5211
“Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies” is an audacious venture by Wallmen, released in 1985, that takes listeners on a distinctive sonic journey. The album, described by the band as a “demo reel” for the Digitech delay, is a testament to their innovative and explorative approach to music.
The band’s roots trace back to 1981 when founding members Norm and Ghezzi began trading “Bullshit Tapes”, crude sound collages made on cassette. This early experimentation laid the groundwork for what would become Wallmen’s signature style – layering tracks of random sounds over original songs to create a unique auditory experience.
The album opens with “Chuck Connors”, a track that immediately immerses you in Wallmen’s world of experimental soundscapes. It’s followed by a series of tracks like “Frozen Cottage Cheese Pts. 1, 2 & 3”, “Bastinado”, and “Ghezzi Electric”, each showcasing the band’s knack for creating captivating loops and effects using the Digitech delay. Mostly it’s a revolving mix of guys having fun.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of “Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies” is its rawness. One track follows another with little or no break and sometimes you can’t tell where one starts and one begins. The majority of the album was recorded in Norm’s parent’s basement, with the multi-tracking done by bouncing from one deck to another. This gives the album a raw, unfiltered quality that adds to its charm.
If you’re a fan of experimental music, this album is definitely worth a listen. If you’re a fan of pocket hometaping collectives, the Wallmen are one of your not-to-miss icons.
You can find “Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies” on Wallmen’s Bandcamp page.
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