Elements Of Surprise
Multiple Phase, 2022
8/10
Listen to Elements Of Surprise
On their 3rd album and first in 38 years, Delay Tactics, i.e. Walter Whitney (synth, electric guitar, manipulated sounds, fizzy guitar, drums, piano), David Udell (electric/lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards synth, cut and paste), Carl Weingarten (acoustic, electric guitars, slide guitar, loops, delays) and Michael Manning (fretless bass) make for a very unique techno-pop listen.
“Viola’s Ascent” starts the listen with warm synth, soothing electric guitar and much ambience in the dreamy landscape, and “Kalimba Lounge” follows with agile drumming and a haze of Americana that unfolds with a cozy spirit.
In the middle, “Don’t Wake The Pharaoh” gets a bit funky alongside some adventurous jazz-rock, while “Ever Unwinding” recruits a mysterious, cinematic quality that’s a bit sci-fi in its pop friendly moments that benefits from meticulous guitar and firm keys.
The final two tracks, “Acoustic Reprise” and “Three Voices” are among the best, where the former uses acoustic guitar strategically amid some folk influences, and the latter exits awash in a meditative, instrumental and stirring presence.
A listen that successfully blends jazz, rock, prog, techno and nods to Brian Eno’s work, this is a triumphant comeback for Delay Tactics, and let’s hope it’s not several decades before they return.
Travels well with: Carl Weingarten- Stop Me Try; Carl Weingarten- Ember Days