When I first stepped into the Bord Ward, 823 W. National Ave., I didn’t know what I was going to experience. I had never heard “Noise” music, and I had definitely never seen it performed. However, after my first Noise Fest, I can honestly say I was not let down.

Entering the dimly lit room was an experience of its own. A friend of mine claimed that during the day, the entry way was a museum, but I don’t think there was any artwork to be found; it lacked all of the qualities of any museum that I had ever seen, and it looked more like an abandoned warehouse to me.

Then we entered the actual festival. Believe me when I say, I have never heard anything like “Noise” outside of a monster similar to Grendel (at least what I imagined when I read the book) or a sci-fi movie. Don’t get me wrong; I had the time of my life. But call me old school when I say that I think music needs lyrics and some sort of melody to even be considered music. And yes, in case you were wondering, I’m not a big fan of the “Stomp” craze either.

I can’t even begin to describe “Noise.” Peter Wood, MU alum and organizer of the festival, said that Noise was a removal of all structure of music. Until I experienced it, I didn’t know what he meant. It seemed like there was a lot of pounding on a synthesizer and an occasional scream or two, but there were no discernable lyrics. It was everything that Woods told me that it would be. Starting with Anal Hearst, a one man act, and ending with Peter Woods himself.

Although it was not my taste, I can honestly say that I don’t think I was let down at all. Since fans of “Noise” openly say that it has no “catchy lyrics” or structure, I don’t think they are trying to put up any fronts about being pretentious and not needing structure. More, it is an exploration of what can be done without following the norms that is dictated at us from an early age. After all, who was the first person that decided music needed structure? By saying this, I’m not admitting I went home and downloaded any “Noise,” but I can say, I had a great time experiencing something that was different from anything I had ever been to before.

If you would like to learn more about “Noise,” check out Experimental Milwaukee.

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