II

1.
II is a one-man Black Metal band from France, formed in 2007.
[ Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/2blackmetal ]


2.
ii (pronounced "i i") are a duo from Melbourne, Australia, who chart a course through guitar-based atmospherics, noise, instrumental pop and sound art.

Comprising Alex Nosek (guitar, synthesiser, computer) and Jon Tjhia (guitar, synthesiser, computer, drum set), the group focusses equally on improvisation and premeditation, with an interest in breaking from melodic and harmonic structure. ii are known for their densely layered live sets and recorded improvisations, some of which were recorded and released as part of SBS's 'Whatever Sessions' project - an indie music cross-media initiative by the Australian national multicultural broadcaster. ii's split 7" record with Sydney's Castings (on Steadycam Records) scored fine reviews (including in Wire magazine), and went into a second pressing.

The duo have completed recording of their debut album Landlakes, and are currently completing a 12" vinyl project and a split vinyl project. Recent outings have seen them eschew the drum set in favour of more synthesiser-processed textures. Throughout August 2007, ii collaborated with cellists Tri-Partizan (Emily Williams and Francesca Mountfort) for a series of performances at Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria, to coincide with the gallery's exhibition of artworks from the Guggenheim collection. For these performances, the pair went without guitars altogether, instead using synthesiser, a sampler, and two computers to deploy their sounds.

Their live shows have incorporated guests such as Caroline Chisholm (Clairaudience), Aleks Bryant (Aleks and the Ramps, etc), Cameron Webb (Seaworthy), Janita Foley (Denim Owl, Aleks and the Ramps), Danny Jumpertz (Alpen/Comatone) and Jamie Mildren (Architecture in Helsinki) on bass guitar.

Landlakes is out now, through Feral Media in Australia.

[ official website : http://www.dizzydonor.org/ii ]
[ myspace : http://www.myspace.com/iitunes ]
[ landlakes album myspace : http://www.myspace.com/iilandlakes ]