4T Thieves :: The Vinyl Loop (Pingdiscs)

Overall, The Vinyl Loop is a breath of fresh air as it brings the ambient genre into an area that is specific; not too esoteric, but not too beat-heavy. It all seems deliberate and balanced in my ears.

An earlier time of discovery

Beautiful artwork. How does this old cobwebbed record player play into the music? After a listen, you might be pleasantly surprised. As I dive into the release opener titled “NSC-X,” it feels like a welcoming path into this sonic journey. Long tones like the suns light rays asking me to, “come on in.” But it’s not what I’m expecting.

I step into track 2, “Tie and Handkerchief,” and I’m instantly transported to a simpler time of digital music. To an earlier time of discovery in this age of information. A beat begins and will set a tone that this will be more than just long sweeping tones and blips and beeps. Much more.

Variations of what feels to me like early, could these be vintage, synth and drum samples? It makes me conjure up more undivided attention. This reviewer is from the 90s so it takes me back to my youth. As a drummer myself and lover of drum machines. Personally, the album feels like a well made PB & J sandwich or a 12-course fine dining meal experience that takes me back to a happier and simpler time. It warms me with familiar sounds. 

Overall, The Vinyl Loop is a breath of fresh air as it brings the ambient genre into an area that is specific; not too esoteric, but not too beat-heavy. It all seems deliberate and balanced in my ears. Faex Optim and Room Of Wires also offer their remix renditions of “Paperboard Sun” and “Handcrankers” respectively, closing off an otherwise excellent release with a little booster.

The Vinyl Loop is available on Pingdiscs. [Bandcamp]