With Heavy Maple,
Adrien Rodes (aka
Rec.tangle) has delivered a convincing debut album that puts his work in an area that is accessible yet slightly off the beaten track. His brand of instrumental music has a strong Krautrock flavor (of the
Cluster/
Harmonia variety, with something of
Popol Vuh's aerial nature), but a resolutely kitsch element, too. It also brings
Stereolab to mind, without showing that band's single-mindedness toward beats and over the top pop attitude. You won't come out of this album with melodies engraved in your inner ear, but you will be pleased by the gorgeous multi-tracked arrangements. This is the kind of album that won't impose on you: if you decide to treat it as background music, it will behave just like that -- and it makes fine hip wallpaper music, too, entertaining and a little cheesy. But sit down between your speakers and pay attention, and its non-threatening finish will peel off to reveal layer upon layer of carefully stacked instruments, changing orchestrations, and intelligent developments (best witnessed in "Square One," "Anima's Lament," "Ethylic Fugue in Q Minor," and "Airborne Heliotropic Medusae"). Very impressive, and a fully formed, mature first album. Fans of
Stereolab and prog rock are just as likely to enjoy Heavy Maple. ~ François Couture