Customer Reviews

Ephemera

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ephemera is a re-release of some older EPs. (Two Sides of Myself, and Looking for Things Searching For Things) However these two releases are excellent when combined. The songs are epic and beautiful examples of everything I love about the post rock genre. Tarentel is beautiful ambient rapture. Nostalgic at times, fans familiar with the genre will compare it to a kindler gentler mogwai, or a more hopeful godspeed you black emperor. Without a doubt though, everyone should here these songs at least once. I think Caine was a bit harsh, because this IS some of their best work.

First of all, this is an EP though it seems to be full-length priced, however I it is worth the buy anyway. For an EP these tracks are stunning; I think they were left off of previous albums just because of the sheer length of them (mostly 10-20 minutes). Also, these tracks wouldn't mesh on the previous albums, but here they work together marvelously. They are very much minimalist post rock: short, potent themes repeat and repeat, building to a blissful climax. I love the reverb chosen for the electric guitars - each note falls like a fat, tender raindrop. And this whole album is colored by a pervasive melancholia. It's one of those albums like Godspeed's Slow Riot For New Zero Kanada that isn't meant for background noise - this is something you put your headphones on and experience.

If you're starting out with Tarentel, I recommend "Order of Things" before this cd. Tarentel have a nice touch with mellow, minimalist ambient, and a track like Ghosty Head is particularly beautiful. Ephemera comes across, however, without the transcendence or beauty, and it comes in a bit short on time. Tarentel fans can make up their own minds, but this is not the place to start for an otherwise fine minimalist ambient composer.

Ephemera still stands somewhat obscurely (and ironically) as a high water mark in minimalist post-rock repetition done right. It is an undervalued disc patient listeners will be rewarded for (barring bloated outro).

Simply put, Tarentel knew what they were up to in putting together this record. From the sprawling 'Looking for Things' and 'Searching for Things" to the ambient guitar feedback of 'Two Sides of Myself Part Two' this record nails down the post rock genre. I personally find this music to be soothing and I frequently put it on as I drift into sleep at night.

If you dislike elements such as subtlety, slowness, space, repetition, reverb, and experimentation, run far far away now please. If you checkmarked all of the above, you'll indeed be in love. This album is so well done and is one of the most beautiful collections of music I've ever heard. This is what's needed in a world of overstimulation and excess multitasking. Forget the drugs, just pop this baby in and listen closely. You'll find your mind slowly, gradually giving in to the sound of Tarentel, like a fly to a spider's all enveloping, delicate and intricate web. One other album which comes to mind when hearing this is Labradford's best, "Fixed:Context" album.