Released
1999
Label
Crammed Records
Reviewed by
Ben Didier
Contact
Last Edit/Update
16 April, 1999
Meira Asher
Spears into Hooks
Track Listing
1. Shahid 1
2. Shahid 2
3. Dissect Me Again
4. The Flood
5. Weekend Away Break
6. Tiring Night
7. Me Last Granny
8. Vio Smear
9. E Un Uomo
Intense, powerful and emotionally charged, Meira Asher puts the light-hearted subject matter of the typical top 40 to shame. She's not afraid to experiment, and with a primarily electronic medium branching off from traditional instruments she is able to develop an incredibly unique music that echoes the suffering and conflict of the middle east.
According to Asher "This project is a warning alarm," and it rings with pressing urgency. Although it's specifically devoted to the sociopolitical crisis in Israel and Palestine, which is home for Asher, the messages of these songs can be applied to any situation--past, present or future--where oppression and suffering have taken hold.
Asher's raw music shape shifts from melodics to aggression, spite to forgiveness; it's safe to say that you don't have an ounce of humanity or compassion if you aren't deeply moved by the end.
She puts to use a wide variety of tones, sampling and sounds on the album, which was all mixed together by pk. Also known as Paul Kendall, pk has worked with bands like Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode in the past. "Spears into Hooks" is a rewarding listen. After an hour of exorcising demons and facing the darkness of humanity, Asher manages to convey a potent suggestion of peace.
