Tarcutta’s first outing on Hidden Shoal Recordings is an impressive debut that nails (in one hit) the post rock instrumental form that this label so diligently champions. It’s not surprising given veteran drummer Pete Barrett – previously of Ether, Eden, Golden Futures… – holds the timekeeper’s role to such a high standard here, and holds the frame of the music tight. He opens the door for Justin Buckley’s guitar to highlight the tracks, which are combined with the Hammond organ and Piano of Justin Wheelahan.
Such a discrete combination lends Tarcutta a distinctive sound and aids their movement into compositional domains beyond the boundaries of visceral rock sport. Indeed, a furtive maddening organ solo during ‘You Gotta crawl before you walk, before you waltz’ demonstrates clearly the distinctive possibilities of this oft neglected instrument. Of course the decade when this organ was a familiar part of many a lounge room is well past and it delivers what can only now be described as a vintage sound, a rediscovered thrill in such hands. The one non-instrumental, ‘No Light No shade’, has Jess Cornelius delivering a poignant blues jazz vocal before a long organ noodling.
Tarcutta say their inspirations are Sonic Youth, Theodore Adorno and sporadic bushwalking, so if you are down with any of the above or have strayed into those territories this may provide a signpost. Tarcutta’s self titled album will provide a thrill to post rock friendly ears out there who prefer their music with intelligent compositions, wide vistas and the odd modicum of raw power.
Innerversitysound
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