City/Ruins: Art In The Face Of Industrial Decay (Live Bait Recording Foundation, 2011)

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City/Ruins is a documentary about the Northeastern Ohio industrial music scene. That may sound a bit too much of a niche for the average Joe to enjoy, but if you're a fan of industrial music, the DIY scene, Cleveland, or post-industrial economic collapse, this film may be something to enjoy. It juxtaposes segments of artists talking about the history of the 'scene' in the area with live footage of different acts playing. There is also some poetic narration going on in between interviews to keep everything cohesive, which really helped.

What I like about the film was that you really get a feel for what the area is like, even if you've never met anyone featured in the movie. You feel like you know and understand these performers and can see a part of them that few do. There are parts where the film feels slow, or even boring, but it's pretty easy to get through. Being someone who considers themselves a part of the 'Cleveland Scene,' I was thoroughly impressed by the level of cohesiveness and respect that the film brings to the scene. You really get a feel for what drives people to make noise-music that would drive away all but the most devoted listener. These artists give every bit of their life creating something that so few get, and it's really amazing to see them talk about it in their own words.

At a 15-dollar price tag, the DVD is just expensive enough to drive people away, but you do have to realize that what you're getting is a professionally made disc (not a home-burnt DVD-r) from an independent recording company run by one guy. Overall the film was written, directed, produced, shot and cut by two guys, with some additional help from a few more. City/Ruins is DIY at its finest, and though the price tag is a bit much, but you'll be getting a piece of outsider music history that will be well worth owning.

[City/Ruins Trailer]
[Buy City/Ruins from Live Bait Recording Foundation]