Tarentel - Looking For Things/Searching For Things 12"
(Resonant)
Tarentel have produced a considerable amount of "buzz" lately, and it is
for very good reason. Although often lumped into the epic instrumental rock (à la
Godspeed) category, I would say that, at least with this release, they have taken a
subtler approach than the drama of epic bands they are usually grouped with.
The 12" begins with "Looking For Things" which features a simple picked guitar theme
accented by a low drum beat. This guitar theme, however, is so perfect in its
simplicity that you don't mind hearing it repeated over and over again. This theme
slowly builds, accompanied eventually by the distant wail of guitar feedback, and
then with a more powerful drum beat that brings the song to a definite climax--but
not a screeching wall of sound climax--which then drops out to be once again replaced
by the original theme.
The reverse side brings us "Searching For Things" which is a little more on the
droney side of Tarentel. It begins with a low hum which is soon overcome with
another classically beautiful, picked guitar theme accompanied by some steel guitar
sounding whines and a steady beat. This eventually disassembles into a drumbeat
underscored with a single note. A sort of second movement, which features a very
distant and muffled beat over which an occasional sparse guitar work is laid,
eventually replaces this. This second movement eventually disintegrates into some
otherworldly keyboard swirls.
Tarentel, like Godspeed You Black Emperor! and other bands they have been compared to,
are masters at slow but steady development. The difference lies, however, is the
fact that, with Tarentel, the build up doesn't always end up in a chaotic swirl of loud guitars, but
often ends up in nothing but the leftovers of the original composition: a distant
sample or a keyboard drone. Tarentel's "gimmick," if it can be called that, is
nothing but thoughtfully and beautifully composed songs that leave a lasting impression.
Tarentel certainly have earned all of the "buzz" surrounding them, and I
anxiously await future releases.
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