Tapes In Motion Make Intoxicating Debut With “Art And Irreligion”

Peterborough, Ontario (Canada) duo Tapes In Motion have made an intoxicating debut with their 8-song collection “Art and Irreligion.” (Released November 18, 2022.)

Tristan Konkle (lead vocals, synth, songwriter) and Colby McAllister (drums) infuse a soundscape of excellent pop and rock tunes with meaning, edge, experimentation and moments of emotional release. This is a great listen.

The guys introduce themselves with three stunners: “The End Of It All,” “A Whisper” and “Turquoise Dream.”

Konkle shows his skills as song writer and lead singer. The tunes may well leave your ears drunk with pleasure. Not a wasted second. Each moment lilting, building, popping, rocking into the next perfectly. Instrumentation echoing and playing with and against confident vocals.

“The End Of It All” is a swaggering, woozy invitation into the duo’s world. “A Whisper” playfully begins with the spoken words “Rock and Roll!” Then we get a new wave pop ballad of precision and poetry. Konkle’s transitions deliver inherent drama and elevate the lyrics. “Turquoise Dream” enters with beautiful synth work. Then we get the line “Yeah, it all comes true, when I see you.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjgYe_SD0_Q/

The “second side” of “Art and Irreligion” has a lot to live up to. Amazing then that the guys just continue impressing. There’s a 60’s psychedelic vibe to “Adonis” (think “Crimson and Clover.”) Nyssa Lynn adds vocals in “Time Won’t Tell.” Konkle takes his vocals to a raspy intensity to complement. “You and Me” is a searcher, like tires rolling down the driveway as a journey begins. They end the set with “Nothing Left To Do.” It chooses to go even deeper into arthouse pop with vocal effects that tease future directions. Then a sudden exit. Yes, we want more.

This blog was started for moments like this. Coming across a new band and pretty much instantly falling in love. Tapes In Motion stun with their songcraft, emotional energy, production and multidimensional soundscapes. What a great way to celebrate 2022 and anticipate the new year.

LINK: https://linktr.ee/tapesinmotion

UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.

UNCLE EARS YOUTUBE: Check out our ever-growing November playlist of tunes!