BBC Review
Second album on Chicago's Aesthetics label from multimedia collective Pulseprogramming.
Olli Siebelt2003
When you stop to consider just how many record labels there are in America these days, it simply boggles the mind how any self-respecting indie label can get heard above the sturm and drang of countless musicians and wanna-be A&R types.
Luckily, a few great labels rise above the rest, not because of their marketing budgets or clout with industry insiders, but purely on of the strength of the music they release. Aesthetics is one such label and Pulseprogramming are one such band, confirming my theory that all it takes is a little effort to make a serious impact.
On this second full length release from one of Aesthetic's great rising stars, we see a serious maturing of sound and some really promising songwriting. Pulseprogramming aren't just a band, you see. They're a multimedia collective featuring two musicians, a film and video artists, an art director and even a poet.
Pulseprogramming's complex makeup reflects itself in the diversity of songs included here. Each one of the nine tracks inlcuded on "Tulsa For One Second" reflects a different attitude and personality.
"Stylophone Purrs And Mannerist Blossoms" reminds one of a remixed Sea and Cake, track, albeit with alternating male and female vocals. "Largely Long-Distance Loves" could be APB stripped down without the cheesy vocals, and "Within The Orderly Life" offers a beatiful mix of strings and pianos not too far off from Orbital or Future 3.
The band got their start in Portland and have recently relocated to Chicago. That should tell anyone familiar with modern American electronica what they're in for; the influences here mix West coast lo-fi indie rock and the Chicago post-rock scene with a healthy dose of European electronica.
The band has recently performed with people like Opiate, Lali Puna and Mum and if you're into any of the aforementioned, this should be considered an essential release.
"Tulsa For One Second" is a really wonderful exercise in sound, rhythm and melody that is most certainly not just another collection of loops from people who spend too much time in their bedrooms. This is music for serious listening and enjoyment.
A real treat. Highly recommended.
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