Aaron M. Olson's
L.A. Takedown project paints aural vistas envisioning Los Angeles as an easygoing, slightly surreal place. The group's mainly instrumental compositions recall aspects of the soundtracks to action movies and television shows from the 1980s, but not the more heart-racing parts. While there are some active, upbeat moments in their music, it's largely free of suspense and drama. Their most enjoyable songs are like top-down cruises through the palm tree-lined avenues, basking in the sunshine as the pleasant scenery zips by. "There Is a Drone in Griffith Park" opens the album with a relaxed rhythm highly reminiscent of
Michael Rother, and when the beat ascends to a breezy gallop, it feels more like an exuberant spike of adrenaline than a paranoid chase scene. "Sunset Report" is more anthemic, upbeat synth rock with lead guitars that drive without going off course into shredding or wanky soloing. "The Swimmer" is another cruiser with slow, soft arpeggios and crunchy guitars, while "Hugs on the Beach" is a dreamy, swaying crystal fantasy. Both sides of the album end with tender, spacy ballads. "Moved," a dazed remembrance of an earlier stage of life, is filled with lush strings and pitch-altered vocals, and could fit on an
Air album. "When It's Over" is a tearjerker sung by
Yellow Magic Orchestra's
Yukihiro Takahashi along with
Nedelle Torrisi, halfway between a breakup anthem and a sweet lullaby. One could pick up the idea of a plot line from the album's track sequencing, but lying back and enjoying the ride is an equally suitable option. ~ Paul Simpson