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Dråpe - Relax/Relapse (Riot Factory Records)

Album cover for Relax/Relapse by Drape.
20 October 2015

This Oslo, Norway quintet creates really mesmerizing psychedelic dream pop with electronic overtones. Dråpe (pronounced ‘Draw-peh’) draws its many colored swatch of influences from artists as disparate as Syd Barrett, Tame Impala, Deerhunter, and Stereolab. They infuse their multihued compositions with a delicate spiderweb of sound, intricately piecing together mind-bending synth swirls (“There Is a House”) with glorious vocals courtesy of Ketil Myhre. The band has produced two full length albums and a handful of EPs since their inception in 2009, and this second album is a triumph for this up and coming young group.

“Relax” opens the album with pulsing percussion and keyboards that are strongly reminiscent of Beach House, then it abruptly veers into “Replica”, which reminds me of a less proggy Mew. It is bright and full of cheer, and full of toe-tapping melodies. “?” is also keyboard-driven and has clever lyrics, while “Round and Around” flirts with many different styles, including some sitar-sounding guitar chords at the 2 minute mark. “Pie In the Sky” is lovely synth pop, chock full of rainbows and bliss and bound to lighten anyone’s mood. The aforementioned “There is a House” is a 6 minute tripped out fest, stuffed full of cool fx, vintage keyboard washes, and is my favorite song here. It shifts gears many times, so be prepared for a sonically challenging ride. “My Friend the Scientist” starts out in a druggy haze and then ups the tempo slightly when Ketil pipes in.

“And You Change Your Mind” is widescreen dream pop with quirky vocals, slightly melancholy but brushed with melodic sunshine. “Still Raining” is lovely and it falls around your ears like silvery drops, while the closing track “Relapse” employs what sounds like 12-string acoustic guitar and a flutelike keyboard. Psychedelic guitar lines shimmer in the background and provide a strong foundation for this great closing song. This album seems to be about sunshine and roses, but an unease creeps through this suite of songs. Kudos to the band for trying something different than their last album and succeeding on all levels. Recommended for fans of Deerhunter, Stereolab, Beach House, Mew, and Tame Impala.

 

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