Tangemeenie – Faust

I don’t usually like computerized music at all. The only reason being is that a) it usually all sounds the same, and b) it just seems like an instrumental and talent cop-out. Tangemeenie consists of married couple Steev and Lori G. Taylor and uses a combination of computers and digital recording equipment. It sounds like a lot of Moog effects, which I am certain could be replicated easily with an inexpensive computer program. The difference here is that I actually enjoyed this LP a lot. Sure there are trip-hop beats and not enough vocals, but I found its ambiance and changes very entertaining and almost relaxing.
At first listen, I combined my already hesitant judgment and the tracks into dislike and quickly shut it off after the first song. I did not give it a fair chance. Once I heard bits of guitar and actually sat down and had a good progressive listen, I saw well-crafted mixing and intense construction. There is no doubt Lori’s vocals can be more enjoyable then Steev’s sort of jolty singing style. The couple use dual layering vocals, which always works well between male and female. There are also songs which Lori sings alone, and there are instrumental tracks with no vocalizing at all.
There is definitely a dark feeling to the whole CD and a languid pace. There aren’t really any “rock” songs to be heard of, but there are upbeat and spicy drum beats woven through repetitive “bop”s and clicky space noise effects. Every track provides a little something different, which I enjoy. The styles vary as does the mood. Both members of Tangemeenie can also be heard in their other band, Pocket Novel Mystery. Whether either band plays out is not noted, but I’m guessing it would only be possible in a DJ-like setting. I have to say the CD won me over entirely, and I enjoyed every track. I have no complaints and can recommend the first and fifth tracks as my favorites. Hopefully you’ll find they make you smile as they did for me.