Summer is officially over. Yes, the temperature may still be high and the beaches crowded, but once schools open up and pumpkin-flavored-everything makes a return, you can pretty much kiss summer goodbye. Pittsburgh producer/performer Enuui has completely channeled the final days of Summer on the synth-lullaby Telepathic Beat. The ten-track album lets us all make our peace with the sunny days of the past, and give one more smile to our 100 days of happiness.
The two minute "Intro" slowly fades in, with warbled, alternating tones. Like the tracking on an old '80s movie, with the tracking busted. Then, there is a sound almost as if the waves were quietly cascading on to the beach. It's a synth-sunrise. And just like that, it's gone. The perfect beginning for what soon follows with the rest of Telepathic Beat. "Feel It" continues the good vibes, but also exposes the albums glaring weakness; the vocals. While they do fit the overall mood of the album, it can also drain some of the fun out of the songs. Not a complete drag, but the limited range can get repetitive. One of the songs that does seem to take advantage of Ennui's vocal style is "Summer of Love," where his voice is utilized almost as a whisper, or a faint memory. Again, setting the scene of Summers End.
If it weren't for clear examples of newer, electronic styles thrown in, you would swear that Telepathic Beat was just an unreleased new-wave album from 1984. "Over and Over" is a perfect example of the time bending that takes place. One foot set in two completely different time zones, that somehow both share a love for layered, keyboards and distant harmonies.
While Telepathic Beat is a nice break from boombastic beats, and bass drops that tend to populate the Summer, it also crumbles under its own consistency. Where the songs don't sound nearly as varies as you would expect. Which brings with it a tendency to misfire at certain points. Nothing is ever "bad" but some songs just happen to work better than others, and that can change from one listen to another. Sometimes my favorite song was "Circles," then next time I couldn't wait to skip it. By the time "Outro" comes along, you're reminded of the sun setting on the season, and you have to make the decision to dive back into Telepathic Beat or let it end there. The album never fully makes its case for the former, but you'll always have the memories. - In Your Speakers |
1XLP/Not Yet Released