CURRENT ISSUE

DONATE ADVERTISE SUBSCRIBE

Reviewed by Ania Glowacz

Kleptomaniac: Self-Titled

Reviewed by Ania Glowacz

Kleptomaniac: Self-Titled

There is minimal information that comes with this release. The photocopied sleeve reveals only the titles of the nine instrumental tracks; and also that it was “recorded by Nathan Palmer at his home in Hatogaya, Japan 2015”. These compositions are all beat-based with samples, reminiscent of the likes of DJ Shadow, or the stuff on the UK’s Pussyfoot label – basically a lot of the kind of experimental beat bending and stretching that was going on a couple of decades ago. That’s not to complain it sounds dated – it’s just not really a style that’s in ‘vogue’ at the moment. The only vocal elements are on opener Extravagant (unfortunately just an unnecessary overdose on the ‘f’ word for no good reason – and rather off-putting as a consequence); some vintage reporter/movie recording on alien invasion themed tune Emperor Guillotine (mirrored on Abduction later on the disc); a repeated sample of “just do it” on Drone… Basically it’s a set of tunes that are meaty, beaty, big and bouncy, with enough contrast between them all to keep it interesting. There’s manipulation of drum, guitar and synth sounds, with all sorts of quirky elements thrown into the mix. A vintage ’50s guitar sound through Charlie Don’t Surf, submarine sonar on U Boat… you get the idea. It’s all of a certain era and style, and all quite good, apart from the first track which is pointless.