Labels: Tiger Style Records
Review by: Nadia Almashoor
A rather astounding album with a title inspired by Jean-Michael Basquiat’s artwork. And like Basquiat’s art, it’s “punk” and “rock”, captivating and highly sensitive.
‘The Sea Is In Here’ commences with percussion and guitarwork so intricate and refined with that added bonus of soft spoken hushed vocals. The first of tent racks, it waltzes off prettily, picking up the groove before exploding into a near outburst rage of distortion while still maintaining the same rhythm and not going out of focus.
It is also with the adoption of vibraphones and triangles that make this album an interesting listen. Take ‘Nazca Line of Peru’, whic is a definite favourite. It oscillates with constant repetition and loops that is highly reminiscent of Tristeza, Paul Newman, Euphone and even has a post-rock dub feel similar to Tortoise. ‘Every Particle Of The Atmosphere’ flows along in a likewise manner until Reno’s whispery vocals unfold. Hardly noticeable unless you’ve got the volume turned up and your ears glued to the speakers. But in most cases, you’ll be too mesmerized by the beauty of the music itself.
Jazz, math-rock, post rock, indie rock. It is up to the individual with a trained ear to decipher. Needless to say, Vapor of Gasoline is remarkable and a definite work of art.