Created out of a desire to combine the atmospherics of post rock with the immediacy and sensibilities of pop, Electric Tapestry weave together a wide range of elements from a variety of genres to achieve a unique sound.
Three very different guitar players founded the band out of frustration with their previous musical groups, and decided to fully utilise their numerous effects pedals to create rhythmic noises, echoing harmonies and sonic washes to fill their soundscape. Riding atop this wave of sound can be heard familiar melodies from music originating from disparate styles across the decades of rock.
The shimmering Dunedin jangle sound is often utilised, in combination with occasional funk rhythms. Meanwhile, vocal lines that are reminiscent of South African pop can be heard from either of the two vocalists, only to be interrupted by layers of warm fuzz, crystalline blues lines à la David Gilmour, or a heavy metal lead guitar lead. The band is inspired by groups as diverse as The Beach Boys, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, King Crimson, Genesis, Van Halen, Radiohead; not to mention New Zealand bands such as Crowded House, The Chills and Straitjacket Fits.
Electric Tapestry prides itself in being able to deliver high energy shows showcasing their original songs, many of which can be improvised in a live setting. Often, the band plays with projections of space footage behind them, with sound samples being used between songs to transform their shows into an experience for their audience.
Their releases showcase the artwork of one of their multitalented guitarists which is in keeping with how the band likes to operate; in control of their specific sound and imagery, seemingly independent from current trends.
Soundtrack music comes to mind with many of their longer, instrumental tracks. When vocals are employed in other songs, they discuss topics that are strangely universal such as the desire for survival; or they are otherworldly, or, at times, deeply mundane and personal. Topics such as the hardships of fatherhood, friends lost to the New Zealand brain-drain, space travel and vampirism are covered. There is something distinctly Kiwi about the delivery and spirit, even if two of the members are immigrants who bring their own recognizable influences to the table.
Electric Tapestry are a group that celebrates the sweet spots in the last century of music. They symphonically mix these influences to achieve an odd harmony, or a deliberate tension that can hold the listener attentive until a resolve is revealed in the form of a catchy anthemic chorus that can sound simultaneously fresh and familiar. One gets the impression there is some form of magical nostalgia for bands that never existed at play...
Band Members:
Aaron (guitar)
Alex (bass)
Geoff (guitar, vocals)
Nick (guitar, vocals)
Paul (drums)
REVIEW: EP Review: Warship Across Submitted by PeterKM |
9 Oct 2024 |
REVIEW: Gig Review: Electric Tapestry @ Valhalla, Wellington - 11/04/2024 Submitted by Sharne M-T |
12 Apr 2024 |
REVIEW: Gig Review: Electric Tapestry @ Meow, Wellington - 14/12/2023 Submitted by Sharne M-T |
15 Dec 2023 |
REVIEW: EP Review: The Origins EP Submitted by Kev Rowland |
8 Sep 2022 |
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