For aficionados of sonic exploration, the name Bardo Pond resonates with a unique blend of psychedelic drone, noise rock, and unbridled improvisation. But where did this distinctive sound originate? In revisiting their early cassette release, “No Hashish, No Change Money, No Saki Saki,” we unearth the raw DNA of a band whose artistic journey was clearly never about chasing commercial success – for them, Money Is No object when it comes to creating their art. This 1993 recording, now remastered and re-released, offers a fascinating glimpse into Bardo Pond’s formative years, revealing the core elements that would define their expansive and immersive musical universe.
Kim Gordon, in her insightful liner notes, points to the eclectic mix of influences that fueled Bardo Pond’s initial spark. From the heavy riffs of Sabbath to the自由 spirit of free jazz and the abrasive edges of no wave, the band’s sonic palette was richly diverse from the outset. Adding shades of early Dinosaur Jr., My Bloody Valentine, and the Spacemen 3 ethos, along with the raw energy of the Siltbreeze catalog, Sonic Youth, Skullflower, and the Sun City Girls, Bardo Pond forged a sound that was entirely their own. This album, recorded when they were a quartet featuring Isobel Sollenberger, Joe Culver, and the Gibbons brothers, captures this nascent stage perfectly.
Imagine the Lemur House in Philadelphia, 1993. Picture a space filled with the haze of creativity, perhaps literally, adorned with worn rugs, evocative posters, and bathed in soft, filtered light. This environment, as Gordon envisions, served as the crucible for Bardo Pond’s sonic alchemy. Here, they patiently sculpted their sound, weaving intricate tapestries of noise where melody emerges from dissonance, only to be re-absorbed and propelled forward. Sollenberger’s vocals act as the gravitational center, drawing listeners into the swirling vortex of sound. Guitars then take flight, echoing and shimmering, while the rhythm section provides a foundation of unhurried, cymbal-splashed freedom. This is the sound of liberation, the sound of Bardo Pond in its purest, unfiltered form.
“No Hashish, No Change Money, No Saki Saki” is more than just an early recording; it’s the blueprint for everything Bardo Pond would become. From the slow, dirge-like passages to the sensual, languid vocals drifting amidst waves of drone, the album encapsulates the band’s signature elements. Tracks like “Rupture” showcase this dynamic interplay, with Sollenberger’s voice occasionally piercing through the dense layers of psychedelic sound, offering a guiding light amidst the beautiful chaos. It’s a reminder, as Gordon notes, that the destination is unknown, but the journey itself is exhilarating.
This album embodies the untamed brilliance of a band finding its footing, a moment of magical energy that is inherently unrepeatable. Bardo Pond would go on to refine their unique brand of mind-expanding music, balancing chaos and controlled noise. But the genesis of that journey is undeniably here, in this raw and honest recording. For those seeking a sonic cleanse, a soundtrack to escape the mundane, or simply a deep dive into the origins of a truly unique band, “No Hashish, No Change Money, No Saki Saki” offers an unparalleled experience. It’s a testament to a time when artistic exploration trumped all else, proving that sometimes, the most valuable creations are born when money is no consideration.
