 The
Tickle
"Specific Ocean" CD
Big
Radius Records
Genres: instrumental rock, indie rock
Big Radius Records
118A West Spring St.
Fayetteville AR 72701
Aug 11 - 17 2003 |
It
could be said that Arkansas label Big Radius' biggest attraction is The
Tickle, an instrumental band whose second album, Specific
Ocean,
was released earlier this year. Their songs are surprisingly
inoffensive affairs, simple melodic instrumentals that are enjoyable
enough yet a bit low in substance. A lot of this album relies on providing a nice warm flow of melody
to chill out to. As an instrumental backdrop it's very relaxing and
pleasant; it succeeds in being infectious and very listenable.
It's simply a very enjoyable release. Things start off well with the catchy yet
unmemorable opener, "Thundercats" and continue on in that vein.
The songs focus on guitar and drums, but also have bells, trumpet, and
other accompaniment to keep things interesting. Rarely do matters get
exciting or climactic, but you never feel like they have to. The theme
here is water, particularly the shore that is shown on the CD's cover.
In fact, once the final track ends, you get around thirty minutes of a
field recording of moving water that is only interrupted occasionally
for manipulation by the band.
Altogether, The Tickle's Specific Ocean is a pleasant album, but
not a great one. If you're looking for some pleasant instrumental rock
music, look no further. Just don't expect to be moved.
80%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 8 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
