The Perfect Noise Rock Formula
Art is not a math problem, but that doesn't stop me from observing it as one (or calculating it like one). As it pertains to music, we can approximate definitions for specific genres with generalized formulas. Pop? Under 4 minutes, hooky, predictable song structure. Bluegrass? Banjo/fiddle/guitar riffing, faster tempo, major/minor variance. Rap? Bass-boosted 808s, rhyming to a beat, repetitive instrumentals.
But is there such a thing as a perfect formula, and if so, what does that mean? What does one look like?
Well, in my (not-so-)humble opinion, yes—they can exist. As for their meaning, I think a perfect formula defines a framework that, if abided by, can practically guarantee a respected, well-received outcome according to those appreciative of the genre. (Of course, just because an artist is successful doesn't mean they follow a formula.) As for what one looks like, I would like to use this article to discuss what I believe to be the perfect formula for noise rock—the sub-genre of rock associated with the use of noise (often with feedback and distortion) as a significant element in the music. I will also showcase three prime examples of bands who have followed this formula and succeeded (whether in the underground or mainstream) and will share links for you to (hopefully) enjoy their work too.
The Perfect Formula
Drums That Carry Everything
At the core are the drums. Whether minimal or intricate, the drums are often loudest in the mix, acting as the lead instrument in the band. They offer the predictable, stable response needed to complement the feedback, static, and distortion presented by other instruments in the mix.
Simple, Articulate, Catchy Bass
The bass is often the only consistently melodic element in the band's sound. The lower register of the bass provides a primitive, visceral undertone that allows the listener to still register the non-percussive sounds as music. To maintain the listener's attention, the bass line is often simple (both in riffing and recording) and always presented clearly.
Introduced Cacophony
This is where things get interesting... really interesting. After all, it wouldn't be noise rock without the noise. But where is the noise coming from?
This is where the band has the most agency. They can plug a hollow-body guitar into a broken fuzz wah pedal (first prime example below), use out-of-phase, single coil guitar pickups (second prime example), or bash away at a "crappy Casio keyboard" run through a ring modulator (third prime example).
Either way, the guitar, keyboard, or other instrument of choice can go wild. Adjectives like cacophonous, calamitous, screeching, brittle, and clangy are most welcome here.
Lowered Vocals in the Mix
Ever since the Beatles took the world by storm, their sound and decisions have defined pop music. One example of the Fab Four's influence was louder vocals in the mix. Over time, this has spread into other genres too, like R&B, alternative, and folk, to name a few.
Lowering the vocals in the mix is another way noise rock deviates from the norm and provides a refreshing spin on the rock genre. In doing so, we—as the listeners—don't have to pay much attention to them; we can accept them as another layer to the music that doesn't require study or interpretation, which gives us better space to appreciate and acknowledge the instrumentation over understanding the lyrics.
