Breaking through exp-electronics, each track holds its own while shedding its skin every couple of listens.
Absorbing Tapage’s Overgrown requires an attentive ear as it continually registers new sounds on every spin. Peeling back texture after texture, each track bursts with plenty of effects, melodies, crackles, whirs and stutters to keep your brain in a constant state of flux. That being said, it’s not surprising that these colorful experiments would be the albums strongpoint as Tapage’s previous work delved through tangent pathways — albeit with a darker hue — always keeping a firm hold on disjointed Aphex Twin reflections.
Overgrown‘s substantial dosage of source material continuously baffles the ears. Similar threads could be found throughout Kracfive’s beginnings in the late 90’s (just dust off those Colongib, Octopus Inc and Pacman releases for starters). A balanced snapshot of nostalgia and complexity wisps by on tracks like “Unfolded,” “Sine” and “Repress.” Plaid’s influence can’t be ignored on “Ethyl” with its trove of bass, sparked melodies and fluid rhythm. “Mimic” dribbles its atonal pings across a bed of synthetic strands as the curiously titled “Mortuary Beef” reveals metallic ambient drones and low-pressure percussive detail. Without veering too far into obscurity, Overgrown is perhaps Tapage’s most accomplished work to date; casting a vivid light of attractive audio ventures creating for a memorable retreat from the norm. Breaking through exp-electronics, each track holds its own while shedding its skin every couple of listens. Overgrown is a thorough drive filled with a balance of smooth asphalt and off road trails.
Overgrown is available on Tympanik Audio. [Release page]
