Wages of the Imagination

With their psychedelic noise rock and mind-expanding gigs, London-based band Terminal Cheesecake never achieved wide popularity, but they did obtain massive cult status. After eight eventful years, in 1993 the band split, relaunching again in 2013 with Gnod’s Neil Francis replacing original vocalist Boniface. Wages of the Imagination provides insight into the worlds of veterans Russel Smith (guitar/noise) and drummer John Jobbagy. The latter works as a gravedigger, whilst Smith tinkers with bikes in the French countryside, under the watchful eye of his mother. Filmmaker Dries Meddens uses vignettes to construct his portrait. Excerpts from (Skype) interviews, Smith washing up, a practice session, a cluttered living room, all book-ended by quotes from Aldous Huxley and Jean-Luc Godard. Much however remains unsaid as Terminal Cheesecake’s music is a physical experience that is impossible to put into words. After years of frustrating silence, the band once more becomes a release for Smith and Jobbagy’s indomitable imaginations. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)