Tapes 'n Tapes
There has been an enormous amount of the talk recently about the internet destroying the music business. Cynics cry foul at leaked albums a month before the official release and music being shared on P2P. However, the critics seem to be missing a whole slew of bands and artists who seem to be benefiting from the internet. Tapes ‘n Tapes, a group of four Minnesotan indie rockers stand as a shining example of how the internet can help propel a group into the consciousness of individuals who may have not otherwise have heard them before. In 2005 the blogosphere was in frenzy when they got a whiff of Tapes ‘n Tapes brand of Pavement influenced unpretentious rock. The release of their first album “The Loon” was highly praised and front man Josh Grier was seen as a gifted song writer and vocalist (despite his penchant to mumble). The success and critical acclaim of the first album allowed the band to land a record deal with XL Records and a shot at converting many more fans.
With all of their current success comes the pressure of the all important second album. “Walk it Off” takes a different direction then their first effort. Gone are all of the rough edges of the first album and replaced by a more polished sound. The drum kicks are crisper, guitar solos more cohesive and the lyrics slightly more ambiguous. But, the change is welcome as TnT takes it’s influences of Pixies, Pavement and The Beatles and makes it their own instead of what seemed to be a deadpan regurgitation of their heroes on the first album. The first single and the bizarre video from the album “Hang Them All” showcase the direction TnT is going in the future. It is a perfect combination of indie pop rock and infectious melody. Not bad for an internet band.
