Labels: Erased Tapes – Kranky
Review by: Kunal Nandi
Even the Guardian have given these guys the thumbs up, so I don’t expect my clod-hopping prose to convince anyone new to join the cause, but if you can get past me and that honker of a band name you’ll end up basking in some truly untrammelled beauty. This is a collaboration between pianist Dustin O’Halloran and Adam Wiltzie, one half of Stars Of The Lid, and as you might imagine, this falls somewhere between the two, like neo-classical mixed with a blissfully atmospheric approach that fills those perfectly poised gaps between notes. Now that I think about it, Stars Of The Lid are a really extreme band, with their seemingly featureless drones suggesting so much with so little. It’s a serious commitment putting on one of their epic albums, the lysergic effect flooring you with their expansive, insistent soundscapes. AWVFTS is far more song-based, but certainly don’t lack depth. I cannot convey how blissfully beautiful this is, just buy it. One of the best of 2011 for sure.
AWVFTS
Kranky (USA)
Erased Tapes (Intl.)