Electronic Eulogy [from Morse Code Infinity]

George & Caplin

Beta-lactam Ring Records, 2004

http://store.cdbaby.com/artist/georgecaplin1

REVIEW BY: Vish Iyer

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 12/02/2005

Electronic Eulogy [From Morse Code Infinity] can be described at best as modest electro-pop with no real spectacular moments.

The music on Electronic Eulogy has no frills or fancies, no 100 lb. beats pulsating with aggravated steam, no crazy electronics, and no self-indulgent gothic pretensions. Though sparse and restricted, the music does a pretty decent job at keeping things interesting for most part of the album. This is one of those records whose cleverness lies in its simplicity.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

Electronic Eulogy is an album of instrumentals and songs with vocals, both making presence in equal amounts. The instrumentals are nothing fancy, most of the time nothing more than a simple tune played on keyboards, with little visceral treatment. They resemble Moby's style of techno (on Play and 18), only less melodic and a tad gloomier.

The tracks with vocals make up pretty much the highlights of the album, notwithstanding the fact that the vocals are not particularly impressive. Sung by one half of George & Caplin, Jeffrey Wentworth Stevens -- the other half is Jason Fredrick Islen -- the vocals sound like as if sung by an emaciated alien; they are extremely nasal, flimsy, and livid. However, coupled with the quirky low-key techno music, the vocals do not sound bad at all.

As is the case with most indie music of today, the influence of New Wave and Radiohead-esque torment of electronic sounds is quite visible on Electronic Eulogy, and is most apparent on the first two cuts -- and also the album standouts -- "Promenade" and "Wimbledon Headband." The former, with its combination of riff and rhythm resembling the 80's, is the most new wave track on this album; and the latter, with its vocals subtly sung backward and sounding completely nonsensical, is a trademark Radiohead-inspired indie track.

George & Caplin's fantasy world isn't ridden with any serious paranoia to give its music any major kick. Hence, Electronic Eulogy does nothing more than just provide good company when listened to, and has no lasting impact once it's over. This disc is easily enjoyable, but it is easily forgettable too.

[For more information on George & Caplin, visit www.georgeandcaplin.com]

Rating: B-

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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© 2005 Vish Iyer and The Daily Vault. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of Beta-lactam Ring Records, and is used for informational purposes only.