London Ambient-Electronic outfit Night Tapes have arrived with their first full-length studio album, “portals/polarities”. Sonically, this is no far cry from the trio’s previous efforts… and that’s a good thing. London has some habit in churning out hidden gems, but few are as special as Night Tapes.
Iiris Vesik, Max Doohan and Sam Richards have created a soundscape that feels vast and cinematic, despite its humble origins in Airbnb’s and cramped hotel rooms. The ambience of Mexican rainforest, bustling Los Angeles and Iiris’ beloved hometown of Tallinn, Estonia has been laced into everything. Lyrically, portals/polarities is introspective, honest and clever. As much as the sound is like a portal to a new world, we’re encouraged most to explore the one within.
“Enter” as the opening track is brilliant. It’s the introduction and mothership to a cosmos of tracks that sound like they’ve come from outer space. “Television” and “Swordsman” spearhead the album – punchy, synth laced rhythms are complimented by airy acoustic guitar riffs to create the sense you’re floating. “babygirl (like n01 else)” sounds like Macy Gray stumbled upon a synthesiser, and that’s only a compliment.
“Masterplan” is one of the most affecting moments. Gentle, spacious, reflective – perfectly suited for horizon gazing. Its pacing and vocal refrain mark a truly stunning, open piece. The thirteen track album strikes hard at the exit with “storm” – a soaring, ethereal anthem. Iiris’ impressive range and generally gorgeous vocal transports us through the portal to another realm. If you had already felt like you’d left the world, you might just with this one. The cacophony of synths on the back-end of this track make it one of our favourite discoveries this year.
Night Tapes continue to deliver us a sound that is missing from the popular music space. Traditional song structures are masterfully synth-wrapped in a sincere but playful sound – each track a world of its own.
The virtually flawless “portals/polarities” gets a 9 out of 10.
Don’t miss them when they grace The Sound House Dublin, December 6.
Words by Myles Dunne – @MylesDunnePhoto