Catascopic, Issue 2

Another quiet, unassuming mix of guitars and strings resulting in a Codeine-esque prettiness with slighter rhythms. The instrumentation picks up speed after the sleepy first track, chugging along with steam building up under its lid. The music simmers down with some electronica, somewhat dark and mysterious like remixed Joy Division.

Chad Bidwell, Ink 19, Winter 1999

Simple patterns, repetition, volume, control. Chords must be mapped out and orchestrated by somebody with a clue. In their element, however, they all appear to know where those hidden trapdoors reside. Each casually opens one at a time in what is necessarily a linear progression, but who knows from listening. This could be two songs but could very easily be twenty. That could be a guitar. Effects are utilized appropriately rather than trusted with domination over instruments. Suddenly, I realize I've been listening to bongos the whole time, and am not appalled.

David McGurgan, Yakuza

This 2 song EP has almost 30 minutes of music and shows that Tarentel is right at home when it comes to lengthy jams that explore dynamics, weird electronic remixes and full on grooves. The first track takes a page from Rodan's epic intro to the album Rusty but the nod to the early '90s neo-prog rockers is just a starting point as Tarentel takes layers of guitar riffs and builds them into something much more; a humongous pile of rhythms, energy and climax.

The second track leans towards a shuffling feel that echoes some of Tortoise's and Lenola's more meandering compositions. But the group can certainly hold it's own in the rock realm as well. Tacked on the end is a mysterious (and somewhat unnecessary) remix of the second track. However it does go to prove that Tarentel has more up their sleeve than hero worship.