Experimental Short Horror Film FREE AS DEAD Limited Edition VHS and Cassette Soundtrack Now Available via Lighten Up Sounds!
The more attentive Tapeheads and voracious Videovores out there may already be familiar with Matthew Himes’ Lighten Up Sounds label via their absolutely gorgeous limited edition VHS release of The Cabinet of Dr. Calgari which featured an outstanding re-score by indie experimental outfit Brute Heart. But if you’re not aware of Himes’ LUS label, be sure to check out the extensive interview we conducted with him here in Lunchmeat Land all about his most excellent analog endeavors. Fast forward to the present and this VHSummer, Himes and his LUS brand are back with another slab of outstanding fresh VHS ready to invade your decks with FREE AS DEAD: a short experimental horror film from Romain Perrot (Vomir) and Andy Bolus (Evil Moisture) that is apt to captivate those aficionados of dark and brooding experimental musings. When asked about the creation of the project, LUS main brain Matthew Himes said, “The source film and audio was essentially written and recorded by Romain Perrot, then fed through Andy Bolus' arsenal of bizarre homemade synthesizers and circuit bent filters to produce the final finished work.” You can get a look at some of those bizarre homemade synths and filters by clicking here, Tapeheads. The official trailer for the surreal and tenebrous FREE AS DEAD can be seen below…
Here’s a look at the FREE IS DEAD VHS, along with the full details on the release from Lighten Up Sounds.
The FREE AS DEAD Limited Edition VHS from Lighten Up Sounds. Dig those tapered tape windows, mang.
FREE AS DEAD - VHS A Film by Romain Perrot & Andy Bolus Lighten Up Sounds proudly presents this VHS edition of FREE AS DEAD, a new experimental short horror film from the twisted minds of Andy Bolus (Evil Moisture) and Romain Perrot (Vomir). The film is a collaborative work, a shadowy nightmare of evil excess, demented sorcery and lurid ritual. Our story concerns a man bound to death and a young girl, following a path of ritualistic transfiguration to ultimately become free as dead. VHS edition includes the 21 minute feature film, plus official trailer and an exclusive “Slimed” edit by Andy Bolus. Professionally duplicated black shell VHS w/ full color labels comes packaged with two color process print artwork, on 80 pt gloss cardstock housed in oversized hard black clamshell. Hand numbered edition of only 66 copies. A voyage into the darkest and most psychedelic nether regions of the subconscious, grim ambience for the most demented of dungeon dwellers. 46 minutes B&W / Color And here’s a look at the corresponding limited edition cassette release featuring the FREE IS DEAD OST only from Lighten Up Sounds…
The FREE AS DEAD soundtrack cassette from Lighten Up Sounds. Lookin' mean, indeed.
FREE AS DEAD - c58 Original Film Soundtrack by Romain Perrot & Andy Bolus Disturbing and damaged collaborative score to FREE AS DEAD, an original experimental short horror film from the twisted minds of Andy Bolus (Evil Moisture) and Romain Perrot (Vomir). Our story concerns a man bound to death and a young girl, following a path of ritualistic transfiguration to ultimately become free as dead. Ominous church organ creaks through choking clouds of sulfur, severely mangled horror ambience. The film itself is a collaborative work, a shadowy 21 minute nightmare of evil excess, demented sorcery and lurid ritual. The soundtrack offers an extended view into the hidden chamber, presenting nearly a full hour of grim atmosphere for the most demented of dungeon dwellers. Professionally duplicated / imprinted black shell cassette comes packaged with fold out double sided J-card featuring two color process print in red / clear Norelco case. Hand numbered edition of 100 copies, each includes 1’ pinback badge. A voyage into the darkest and most psychedelic nether regions of the subconscious.
A more complete look at the FREE IS DEAD Limited Edition VHS, with the OST cassettes hangin' out on top. Fierce release, man. Fierce.
LUS also create a very limited amount (only 13 pieces!) of some beautiful 7 x 16 inch, two-color process prints as promo posters for the release, set out to emulate those classic video store poster adverts that we all know and love. These have been sent to the artists involved, a select few staunch LUS supporters, and to the indie shops that choose to stock this radical release. Be on the lookout, man. If you can find one, maybe the shopkeeper will let you take it home. Maybe. Check out these bad boys just below.
Man, this VHSure would look groovy on your rewind wall, eh, Videovore? I know that's right.
Another beautiful analog production from Lighten Up Sounds, and another pair of magnetic slabs that every fan of experimental underground dark art should have on their shelf, man. Even if you’re still undecided, you can stream the entire FREE AS DEAD soundtrack on Bandcamp, but don’t wait too long, Tapeheads. These limited editions won’t last. Go grab 'em, and get down in the dungeon, dude.
Groove and Groove and Peer Into the Dark.
Josh Schafer