TAPES ‘N TAPES – OUTSIDE

This is the third album from Minneapolis’ Tapes ‘n Tapes, and signals a return to their own label, ibid records, and to the freedom and rawness that being your own boss makes possible. Peter Katis’ mixing has brought impressive warmth to the record; the kind of warmth that can leave unsuspecting (and unlikely) listeners completely smitten. Indie pop grooves like One In The World could easily sound twangy and irritating, but instead capture that loose and summery charm that The Cure did so famously with Close To Me. Singer Josh Grier pushes calmly over Desert Plane’s strident coyote rock, echoing the nicest moments of The Pixies and Pavement. Crumbling organ tones bring a casual, mechanical power to the dream-like On and On, the beautifully chaotic ending of which highlights the personal, live sound of Tapes ‘n Tapes that has been preserved on this release. The performances are unguarded, as if we’re listening in on a rehearsal for the final takes, rather than the takes themselves. The band navigate deftly from the swinging folk-rock of SWM to the piratey, Tom Waits lope of The Saddest Of All Keys, and ultimately leave us with a record that need not stray far from the player, with something new to be found with every listen. Classic.

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