(Independent)

This is the shit

For a few years, locals Tape/Off have been bursting eardrums with their raucous take on indie rock. And Sometimes Gladness is their sophomore EP, a record both intelligent and fucking LOUD. Be warned, this is no chai latte. Loosely based around an aesthetic that recalls the likes of Pavement and other stalwarts of early-‘90s American indie rock, Tape/Off use overdriven guitar-based melodies, hard-hitting percussion and often highly distorted vocals to channel a sense of listless resignation. It’s a sort of a abstract apathy that resounds throughout, with tracks such as the fuzzed-out Botanical Gardens, the standout Happen Now (“I’ll sit and watch the world / it spins around / and nothing happens”) and, arguably, even the more upbeat Backseat radiating an acceptance of a somewhat fucked up reality. In addition to lighter moments – Hell Comes To Frogtown, inspired by a bizarre ‘80s B-grade horror flick – the band’s observation of the cynicism that exists in the world today proves intuitive. While I’m likely wrong on Tape/Off’s specific intent, …And Sometimes Gladness is strong enough to justify me listening to it about 40 times and I don’t expect to stop anytime soon.

DARRAGH MURRAY

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*