New album cover
This third album by the alternative postpunk band from the Dutch underground scene of Rotterdam is a conceptual journey into the id punctuated with rhythmic kabuki modal mood swings, thunderstorms, digital beeps, traffic noise and has comparisons with Snapped Ankles and The Fall. The latter is most evident on two of the standout songs, Tokyo Music Experience, which reflects on the halcyon days of Japanese super-productivity, and The Disappearance of Dr. Duplicate. Other standouts include The Rise and Fall of the Plague, A Trail of Wind and FIre and Where Is My Dream? The band comprises David Fagan, Arnoud Verheul, Natasha van Waardenburg and Mathjis Burgler. Like their previous LP, 2015’s Tape Hiss (another form of the concept album) they offer an off-the-wall alternative sound, with a kitchen sink of psyche and punk, classical and sound effects, and cacophonous reverb. The album is also dotted with strange, shouty news announcements. Influences include Van Dyke Parks (Song Cycle) Scott Walker (3 and 4), Moondog (Elpmas), White Noise (An Electric Storm) and Beach Boys (Smile). Clearly a great live band, and daring to be different, the album’s dynamics has its ups and downs, but its a rabbit hole well worth going down, a stirring, bold and statement of energy and originality. Out on Fire Records. More of the music can be found on their Bandcamp page or via their website.
Feel free to also check out our favourite albums of 2020 here:
Fiona Apple to Lianne La Havas to Yves Tumor: favourite albums of 2020 – Part 1
Agnes Obel to Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers to Sault: favourite albums of 2020 – Part 2
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