16th February 2025

Review: “Retina Burn” by Noiseboy

“Influenced by the principles ‘Everything must be electronic, except vocals’ and ‘Forever Feral, Forever Noise’, Retina Burn is a journey of exploring the processing of long term trauma through sound. When it was written, the only goal was to be as reflective and honest as possible.” ~ Adam Sedgwick

A record born of being told “well get writing” after being offered a gig supporting Iggor Cavalera (Sepultura, Petbrick) and inspired by such infamous artists as Godflesh, Author And Punisher and The Dillinger Escape Plan, EP “Retina Burn” is the first burnt offering from Noiseboy. Combining elements of Industrial, Noise Metal and Mathcore, these are the cryptic writings of the depraved mind of Tribe Of Ghosts vocalist and guitarist Adam Sedgwick, who is joined by visual artist L Bateman in both the live and studio arenas…

Embracing the Industrial Metal spirit of “Landfill” era Pitchshifter and those infamous Fear Factory remixes opening sonic abrasion “Teethgrinder” tears through the cerebral cortex with a raw, primitive energy. Infectious beats and distorted sounds cut against an unhinged vocal performance of pure unadulterated catharsis, the darkness of films like Blade Runner and Pitch Black perfect examples of what you get when you pear into the mind of Sedgwick. Slowing down, the bleak and yet almost sultry soundscape of “Feral Star” feels like it was inspired by bands like Kidneythieves and KMFDM. It has those distinctive old school science fiction movie patterns to it, tricking your brain into thinking there is something out there in the darkness, lurking in the shadows and waiting to pounce. 90’s break beats cut against deep rooted melancholia in instrumental “To Breathe In Chaos” offering an introspective moment of reflection before the pain of self immolation. The melody is beautifully warm and lush, leaving one to wonder why Sedgewick has not has had his services snapped up to create a soundscape for a movie, TV series or video game to this point. He clearly has what it takes. A distorted spoken word creates a glitch in the matrix as “The Only Doubt Is What Was Real” echoes the dark thoughts of the dead of night as anyone who has suffered insomnia, anxiety or depression will understand. A soul stirring moment wrapped in cold industrial sounds its a moment that resonates leaving you to wonder if soul damage can ever be repaired. Title track “Retina Burn” returns to the Industrial onslaught of the earlier material, Sedgewick ranting and raving his way through the lyrical montage against a backdrop of restless and relentless noise. Everything maybe on fire but the heat is keeping us warm [8/10]

Track Listing