Joy Merten (Into the Void) writesIn Rotation: ONO

ONO have been a Chicago institution since they formed in January of 1980, mixing experimental noise, industrial, and what the band calls “avant gospel,” surely a reference to frontman Travis’ operatic voice and the band’s tendency to incorporate performance art into their live shows. The band's importance to the history of experimental music in Chicago is undeniable, and they can also be considered within the context of their contemporaries in No Wave bands in New York City.

Ennui is a reissue of the band’s second album from 1986, originally released by Thermidor Records, and reissued by Priority Male and Galactic Archive (a project run by Plastic Crimewave's Steve Krakow). It features haunting, minimal electronic work, bursts of noise and chugging guitar. I highly recommend seeing the recently-reformed band at their show at the Empty Bottle on March 18 - seeing them live is a transformative experience.

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