Psapp
Tiger, My Friend
Leaf Records
Psapp’s Tiger, My Friend is definitely a challenging listen for the uninitiated. But those who persevere, will be rewarded with an innovative, accomplished and memorable album.
The duo of Galia Durant and Carim Clasmann are behind Psapp’s quirky mix of electronica and folk — on one track Splodge the cat’s meow is used as percussion. They have already had music featured in shows such as Nip/Tuck, Roswell and The OC, but their music is light years away from the stuff you’ll normally hear on such shows. Upon first listen, songs like the eerily hypnotic “Rear Moth” (complete with rubber duck accompaniment) sound like a disastrous mish-mash of bizarre instrumentation. However, repeated listens reveal lush sonic landscapes and adventurous arrangements that will quickly draw you in.
Perhaps more conventional is the beautiful “Leaving In Coffins,” which is more upbeat and achingly pretty than its title suggests, while the syncopated acoustic guitar on “Curuncula” helps highlight Durant’s breathless vocals and a quietly effective melody line. The rest of the material on Tiger, My Friend is all glued together by a distinct charm and an ability to make the unorthodox route Psapp’s music takes seem totally commonplace.
You’ll either love or hate Psapp’s music, but chances are, you won’t forget it in a hurry.
Psapp: http://www.psapp.net
