Tape
The Luminaire, 30th May 2006
You know that feeling when you hear a song playing that is so unlike
anything you’ve ever heard before that immediately you’re
transported from the bar stool or sidewalk to another place, a place
where only you and this song exist, your vision and the background has
faded and you can see your friend's lips moving but all you hear is
the song?
This was not one of those experiences. And not because Stockholm trio
Tape aren’t good, because they are. The problem is I couldn’t
help but draw constant parallels with other groups (mostly Icelandic
in origin). This was Mum without the bubbly baby sounds, Sigur Ros without
the kitty torture, Mogwai without the drums (and the characteristic
noisy bits that make you jump out of your skin just as you’re
falling asleep) with hints of sequenced Bjork rhythms.
Even so, while patiently and skilfully layering melodic acoustic guitar
over glockenspiel, bells, harmonica, vibraphone and droning analogue
soundscapes, brothers Andreas and Johan Berthling and Tomas Hallonsten
seem engaged in cryptic conversation.You're drawn into a somewhat emotional
interaction between artists and audience as the layers gradually build
in volume and intensity until they reach climax… but you never
really get relief, there is no cathartic release, just a decrease in
intensity fading back where it started.
If it’s not catharsis you’re looking for, but complex easy
listening and introspective moments, look out for these guys. They have
talent and they’re touring the UK and Europe right now. Hopefully
we’ll be seeing them back in London soon.
Jeanne Marais
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