Big Black Square [EP]

Tarentel | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 1, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP
• Label: Temporary Residence
• ASIN: B0007LXOVY
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,804 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

If last year’s breakthrough album 'We Move Through Weather' was Tarentel’s high water mark, then these two companion EPs could be interpreted as the rise and fall of that flood. The same recording sessions are responsible for all three releases: 'Paper White' represents the beginning, 'We Move Through Weather' is the inspired centerpiece, and the 43-minute 'Big Black Square' signals the smoky ending.

Played in succession, the three releases chart Tarentel’s journey from dynamic, guitar-driven instrumentalists to perpetually curious treasure hunters of the mysterious sounds that most of us take for granted. If this were the end of Tarentel’s story, they would have enough riches to last a lifetime. Eight years into their career, however, it seems they’ve only just begun.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tarentel, September 7, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Big Black Square (Audio CD)

These guys are amazing, and this is disc is post-rock at its most brooding best. I doubt the other reviewer truely knows what he is talking about, or his rating would have been higher. I mean this album puts into context noise, feedback, and lovely melodies, and makes it something listenable, enjoyable, and exciting. You may think that this is jus minimalistic, boring music, but this is mood music. It allows for breathing room, thinking room, and when the piece is done, you are left with only your thoughts. It is great when you are looking for relaxing music. I highly enjoyed this album, even though this is not for most people.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Review from the Synthesis, June 21, 2005

By 

Synthesis_jason (Chico, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Black Square (Audio CD)

With Paper White and Big Black Square, Tarentel walk a fine line between what's considered an EP as opposed to a full-length album. The release of Big Black Square is a 40-minute-plus improvisation that makes the listening experience tedious. Tarentel have a vague idea of where they want to go, they just don't have a compass, and nothing proves this more than the aforementioned track. Ambient noises and feedback play out for 15 minutes before the drumbeat comes in, going for another 15 minutes over feedback before finally fading away into more ambient noises. Paper White is somewhat of the same approach, yet the songs are

much shorter, with softening touches of acoustic guitar and piano leaving one

pleasantly confused.

- Nick Walker