The origin of the phrase “expect the unexpected” apparently dates back to the first Persian Empire. But despite its idiomatic permanence — and the fact that 2016, as a year, um, totally happened… — most of us still take comfort in expecting certain things, based off theoretical logic, objective history, and/or personal experience. I mean, it certainly wouldn’t make sense for me to leave my apartment under the assumption that cars now explode into popcorn upon impact with humans, would it?
Which is why I hate (love) the fact that Supersilent have been gradually tempting me toward that unexpected-expecting mindset since the late 90s with their unwavering anti-schematic compositional stance. Improvisation has always been the collective modus operandi of band members Arve Henriksen, Ståle Storløkken, and Helge Sten (a.k.a. Deathprod), and their most recent album 13, was no exception, continuing their trend of creating music with no strict guiding compass that nonetheless somehow managed to cluster into intriguing, cohesive structures. (Bring it on, aspiring hit-and-runners, I’ve got a movie in my Netflix queue!)
And certainly no less unexpected than the results of their indeterminate musical processes is Supersilent’s recent announcement that they will be playing their first shows in the US since 2004 later this spring. Calling the endeavor as a whole “tour” might be a bit generous, but the shows in Knoxville (for Big Ears Festival) and at New York’s Le Poisson Rouge will most likely pleasurably frustrate the expectations of attendees in those cities in a similar way (I heartily recommend traveling to those cities for anyone with the ability, by the way). At least one thing is still certain, though: I’m sure the music at these shows will sound like… “something?” Check the exact dates/venues below… right after this totally totally unexpected jam:
Nonstop World Tour 2017:
03.25.17 - Knoxville, TN - Big Ears Festival
03.27.17 - New York, NY - Le Poisson Rouge
03.28.17 - New York, NY - Issue Project Room (Deathprod show, not Supersilent)
More about: Supersilent
