Tortued By TurtlesThis is definitely not the type of music I’m used to reviewing for SicZine. With that being said, I am grateful that this Lithuanian band’s record label (Gun Cums Gum) sent me this CD for review. It’s honestly a refreshing break from one’s norm sometimes to be caught by surprise by something as trivial as a piece of plastic and metal. I had no prior knowledge to this group’s musical forte. Unlike every other band I’ve reviewed thus far for SicZine, Tortured By Turtles has no hardcore, punk or metal sound to it at all. In fact, the only hardcore influence is the DIY approach of this release. This record label and band seem to be rooted in DIY ethics.
This CD is very good, unfortunately as diverse as my musical collection may be, I’m not sure I have enough knowledge on European electronica to give a detailed description of these tunes. I know from my days in Dublin, that Europe has a strong underground electronica scene. I’m not even sure if that’s the ‘proper’ term, but it’s what I will call it, since I’m admittedly ignorant to this genre of music. I’ve also heard the terms garage, street-dub and concrete to describe different forms of underground music in Europe, however, I don’t have the faintest of notions as to what music those terms apply to and what differentiates between them. Nonetheless, I really enjoy this CD and will use some bands I do have some knowledge of to try and pinpoint TBT’s sound.
I would have to draw strong comparisons to UNKLE and Moby’s more keyboard and synthesizer-oriented songs not the instrumental-heavy tracks he tended to create later in his career. Some tracks on this album though, do feature some garage rock influences with some hook-infused guitars. Another example of live guitars on this CD would be the moments when feedback-drenched noisecore screams through on tracks such as ‘No Luddits!!’. Moving on with the multitude of genres present in these tracks…I also hear a strong modern avant-jazz sound in most of the tracks. The jazz-inspired musical structures are also littered with many artificial blips and beeps reminiscent of old video games. The experimentation of these genres are similar to bands such as Milemarker, Kid A-era Radiohead, Clinic and to a lesser extent…Clann Zu. Most of the aforementioned bands thrive on instituting an array of musical styles and influences to attempt something ‘new’. I feel that’s what this band has done here on this release.
I understand my review is a little muddled and confusing, however, this group’s music is likewise confusing. I think though, that is the point. Music that makes you think. Music that can present new sounds and new appreciation upon each listen. Music that can be taken as is, (soothing Depeche Mode-like at times and frantic noisecore at others), or dissected and debated. Check out Tortured By Turtles and their label, Gun Cums Gum if you’re open-minded enough to appreciate anything other than hardcore, punk or metal.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: ‘No Luddits!!’ & Babysitter ate Keen’s Aliens’
Synopsis: Band Website