OSLO TAPES – ØR
- Posted on 07-08-2021
The enigmatic Oslo Tapes released this eight-track effort of theirs via Pelagic Records in early June and what we have here is eclectic avantgarde rock from Italy where noisy soundscapes, bouncy melodies, pulsating basslines, and strange voices all come together.
The compositions are meant to evoke the feeling of traveling through imaginary Norwegian highlands where everything is made out in cubistic shapes and forms. Intrigued? You should be! "ØR" is a rather surreal musical trip, but it is also quite original and forward-thinking in many ways. What immediately stood out to me was how brilliantly it manages to balance vintage, analogue krautrock tropes with more futuristic-sounding ideas and elements, and as a result, the LP may be said to look to both the past and the future. Its vibe is hazy and psychedelic but never without form or structure. In addition, it is playful, organic, and above all unpredictable and exciting to immerse oneself in. The warm sound of the record is appealing, and the shimmering synths and trippy guitars complement each other nicely, but there are some pretty damn dark and unsettling vibes to be found on the disc too, most notably the two standouts "Zenith" and "Exotic Dreams".
If you are walking around feeling that you do not really belong on this earth among mere mortals but instead long for far-off planets inhabited by other lifeforms and cosmic landscapes, this musically explorative opus could be just what you need. I certainly found it interesting and atmospheric – and also quite otherworldly and innovative. You should approach this one with an open mind regardless of whether you are into post-rock, prog rock, or experimental ambient as it transcends genre conventions.