Torched Review – Black Needle Noise ‘I’ll Give You Shape’ Ft. Chris Connelly

John Fryer’s Black Needle Noise recently released a new single entitled ‘I’ll Give You Shape’ Ft legendary Scottish industrial artist Chris Connelly (Revolting Cocks, Ministry, Pigface). ‘I’ll Give You Shape’ is one of the latest in a series of singles that have been released consistently that features many different talented singer/song writers via Black Needle Noise’s Bandcamp. Known for being one of industrial rock’s most distinctive voices, Chris adds just the right balance to John’s signature soundscapes and multi-layered dark melodies.

‘I’ll Give You Shape’ quickly leads you down a dark concrete pathway with echoing sounds of footsteps and a door that opens and slams shut. Ironically, I had this very same experience one evening in LA as my boots hit the pavement outside of John Fryer’s studio. The sidewalk outside of the building was dimly lit and for a moment I felt that fear of not knowing if I was in the right location.. That fear suddenly dissipated and turned into sheer excitement as the studio door opened and John came out to greet me. The door was quickly closed and locked as we took a sharp left up a stairway to his cozy loft studio. It was a real honor to be invited over to give this track an early listen and from the captain’s chair! Hands down this was one of the most surreal and even spiritual journalistic adventures that I’ve ever experienced. As the music played I could feel this intense energy move and swirl through the room, building up to a crescendo that left me absolutely speechless.. And I thought to myself.. This is where the magic happens!

Photo by Jolene Siana

John Fryer photo by Judy Lyon

John Fryer is a multi-platinum selling record producer and musician. Starting in 1980 at London’s Blackwing Studios, he worked for some of the most prestigious indie labels at the time like 4AD, Mute, and Rough Trade. He has produced and worked with many influential artists for which the list is both extensive and impressive including; Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, Wire, NIN and Love And Rockets. John was also a long standing member of Ivo Watts-Russell’s ‘ This Mortal Coil and has had his own bands over the years including; DarkDriveClinic, Muricidae, Silver Ghost Shimmer and now Black Needle Noise.

John Fryer’s Black Needle Noise is a 50/50 partnership between Fryer and many different talented singer/songwriters, including Attasalina, Mimi Page,ZiaLand,Omniflux, Jarboe, Betsy Martin, Andrea Kerr, Ledfoot, Spectra Paris,Jennie Vee, Ana Breton, Kendra Frost, Elena Alice Fossi, Antic Clay,Andreas Elvenes, Bill Leeb, Sivert Høyem, Fakeba, Madame ur y sus Hombres, Beca, Betty X , Yvette and Chris Connelly.