Black Pus

Black Pus is the solo moniker of Brian Chippendale, a foundational figure in the American noise rock underground and a key member of the influential Fort Thunder collective in Providence, Rhode Island. While primarily known as the drummer for Lightning Bolt, Black Pus allows Chippendale to explore a more singular, electronic-leaning vision of noise.

His sound identity is defined by the use of a contact microphone taped to his face (often inside a wrestling mask), which feeds into a line of delay and distortion pedals, creating a rhythmic, unintelligible vocal wash. This is paired with an oscillator triggered by his kick drum or played manually, alongside his signature 'crash-heavy' drumming style. Historically, Chippendale represents the bridge between the 90s noise underground and the broader experimental art world, having collaborated with Björk and the Boredoms. Critical consensus views Black Pus as a masterclass in maximalist solo performance, emphasizing physical endurance and the 'low-brow' art aesthetic of the Providence scene. His work is a vital reference point for the 'drum-and-noise' subgenre.