New Telepathics - Single Review: Life On Other Planets
The New Telepathics are an Auckland based ensemble with quite an extensive recording and performing history-and a history that deserves a thorough exploration. This is a refreshingly independently minded ensemble. The New Telepathics project a sound that presents as sophisticated, earthy, and delivered with considerable musical skill.
Life On Other Planets fades in with percussion, before unleashing a terrific opening riff- cleverly written in slow three time signature, which is only worth pointing out because of how effective that is in grabbing the listeners attention. Straight away, older listeners will hear echoes of that wonderful American ‘Urban’ funk' sound from the late 60's /early 70's- the dense instrumentation, male voices right up in the high register, the use of three- maybe more-voices for the chorus and vocal lines with those “gospel style” vibratos.
A technique that the great funk bands of the past used is to make sure that all the parts are interlocking-instruments/voices tend to have single lines (rather than chords) that sit alongside of each other (rather than on top)- with a particular focus on rhythm. The end result of this is a powerful “engine of groove”, where everyone, from lead vocals down, are involved in propelling a rhythmic feel that is pretty much irresistible. At the same time, the individual pars are clearly there if you want to listen- nothing is getting in the way of anything else.
Put simply, The New Telepathics have this idea mastered. Life On Other Planets is a compelling, dance-at-your-desk piece of music created by an ensemble that clearly has intelligence and a powerfully musical heart.
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15 Nov 2023 // by Trevor Faville
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02 Oct 2023 // by Trevor Faville
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18 Aug 2023 // by Trevor Faville
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05 Jul 2023 // by Trevor Faville
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