Overview

The “Invisible Pain Field Generator produces a directional field of moderately intense pain to back of head up to 50’. Cigarette pack size enclosure is easily hidden.”
Inspired by the sheer malice of such a device, the Invisible PAIN Field Generator performed three times. First was an improvised, radio broadcast one wintry night in 1985. Last were as an intermission act at a bar on Easter weekend, 1986. Within months, the members left town.
This compilation is a 60-minute, radiophonic show. It combines and juxtaposes recordings of the performances with thematically similar material. The sources are noisy and feature debris from highways, railways, alleyways, and inside abandoned factories. Plug everything together. Use really shitty tape. Play with the buttons. These original experiments were almost instant. Editing and processing took half a decade.
Not all music has to uplift. But relax. The Invisible PAIN Field Generator is invisible; really quite safe. Just don’t point it at a dog.

”Dirge” combines percussion on kitchen implements with quiet strumming on an acoustic guitar. The somberness is the fault of the minor chords — E-minor, a long-time favorite.
The sources were recorded onto 8-track cartridge because it was available — and the tape can be run backwards.
Pry the cartridge open, cut the tape once, and spool the tape a couple of passes between reels. You can use a regular 8mm film projector because the spindle holes are the same size. A Super 8 projector won’t work without chewing gum or some sort of goo.
Then, splice the tape back into a loop and put the reel back into the cartridge.
Sometimes because of damage caused when you pried the cartridge open, you have to use an elastic band to hold the reassembled cartridge together.
This process takes hours, but it works well.
By the way, on the cheaper 8-track recorders, you could also record while changing between fast-forward and normal speed, or while playing the pause button.
Sources: 1982-83
Edited: 2004

Copyright 2006 Frank Koustrup