Sound Bites: Merzbow, Athlete, Tanya Donelly

Merzbow, Venereology. The last samurai Japanoise continues his assault on your tympanic membrane--and the tympanic membranes of those you love--with 50 minutes of noise that, well, it's just pointless to trot out clever rock crit metaphors for. It's that good. Or bad.--AK

Athlete, Vehicles and Animals. Charming, nonoffending South London outfit that recalls other offbeat Anglo acts like the Beta Band, Super Furry Animals and Gomez. Not overtly hooky or earnest, but its sing-songy countryside pop overshadows the irony. Standout track: "Westside" (and its "CHORUS!" announcement by the band).--MP

Tanya Donelly, Whiskey Tango Ghosts: It sounds like Tanya Donelly has given up on feeding the tree, and has started feeding her inner desire to sing like an alt-country blend of Jewel and Tori Amos. Fuck that tree, anyway.--NB