- Green Chimneys Records have released the third tape in their Lo-fi Tape Series. Having focused on more sample-oriented music on the first two tapes, beatmakers give way to ensembles with episode three featuring HRBRT’s Melopoeia and Elktung’s Note To Self. Both sides share musicians and other credits.
HRBRT has been on my radar since hearing Apology in 2016. A different recording is provided for this release. The loping, syncopated melody leads into a groove-driven song with many different passages. Melopepon starts with an Isley Brothers-esque drum stutter before the groove swings in. The ascending/descending chords keep it down while horns, guitar and keys punctuate the groove. Funky like Watermelon Man era Herbie Hancock. Change begins with guitar and synth arpeggios interweaving, before a languid groove kicks in. At a point the guitar starts soaring and it flips from halftime. Mention should be made of the lead synth part as well. Space Station is another aptly titled slow groove, this time with vocoderised vocals by Andrew Fincher. Nobody is like a good counter point to Apology, but with a more cathartic feel. The mood is lifted with Cooperate, an uptempo boogie track. Great drumming, auxiliary percussion and guitar playing. At a point the bass cuts out, the band settling into a break (like good disco should!) It concludes with the suitably stoned vibe of Hydro, that starts of low-energy with vocoder before guitarist Brandon Mamata takes the reigns.
The musicianship is outstanding and complex while remaining accessible and straight-up funky. It is superfluous to point out any one example of strong musicianship as they’re all deft at their respective instruments (although hats off to drummer/composer Nathan MacGregor). It's great to see a full length release from a stalwart of the live scene for years and that gestation time shows on Melopoeia.
- Hillfolk.