Swedish label Release the Bats compile a primer of San Francisco?s (Dove) Yellow Swans improvised noise terrorism. ?Live During War Crimes? serves as a document of remastered and edited pieces previous released on tapes and CDRs from labels such as Hung Like a Horse and their own Jyrk. The results approximate a really nasty greeting card of D Swans avant buzz drone pummel. Beautifully packaged in a dual plover digipack complete with felt envelope and cover artwork by the ever so fashionable and talented Devendra Banhart, this little bundle of joy is an excellent primer on the pummel and swirl of these fine noise mongers that is as aurally pleasing as the packaging is aesthetically.

Creating harsh soundscapes with semi conventional instruments, sweat, hate and love, D Yellow Swan?s dynamic and menacing sound stands at the top of the tower of noise rubble currently being spewed from the continuum of underground future folk. "Live During War Crimes" warning sirens, warped drums and malfunctioning echo is both challenging and pleasing, creating a disorienting experience that is a reflection of the most fucked of moments in history, moments that have sadly helped to foster and grow these noise music creations. Their sound is a maximalist jab in the face that draws a line in the sand to expose all fakers and hipsters, creating what will probably be regarded as one day as part of the most forward looking and advanced music being produced in the first decade of the 21st century. D Yellow Swans and their hive of noise brethren reflect the pathos that a military industrial/entertainment complex has induced and incubated. All hail the military industrial/entertainment complex. 8/10 -- Nathan Young (27 June, 2006)