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Release Info : Yet another debut album on Resonant, this time from a Swedish epic instrumental duo whose dark atmospherics echo the work of the likes of Max Richter, Lunz, Sylvain Chaveau, Esmerine, Rachels and A Silver Mt Zion. The two young men that comprise Library Tapes only met for the first time last summer, when Per was called by a promoter as a last-minute replacement for the guitarist in David's band - even though they live in the same town. It quickly became apparent that their respective talents would work well together, and so it has turned out; in Library Tapes, David takes care of computer-related business, as well as playing piano and acoustic guitar, while Per plays the balalaika, both acoustic and electric guitar (with bow) and piano. Both Per and David also feature in other bands, and Per is involved in film-making, poetry and a spoken-word project. They took their name after performing live in a library; their structures and approach take their lead from classical music, and the seven expansive, sprawling, emotive compositions on "Alone In The Bright Lights Of A Shattered Life" are effectively one piece of music split into subsections or movements. The album was recorded in three severe winter days. Tracklisting
: PRICE/COST DELETED/OUT OF PRINT
Reviews : 2005 is looking likely to be remembered as the year of the piano. With countless artists tickling the ivoriesand Michael Nyman's back catalogue getting the attention it deserves, the piano has become the weapon of choice for the more mellow-headed leftfield. The latest to join the Liberace list is Swedish duo Library Tapes, whose debut album 'Alone In The Bright Lights Of A Shattered Life' lists Max Richter, Lunz and A Silver Mt. Zion as amongst their influences. Comprised of piano, acoustic/electric guitars, balalaika and the a trusty laptop, 'Alone In The Bright Lights...' seems to exist in a distant tundra, with the listener coaxed into embarking on a hugely rewarding journey. Whilst the stiff melodies of opening composition 'Broken Piano Pt.2' are draftily satisfying, it is '...in a safe place...somewhere near your heart...' that really establishes their sound. Not unlike a William Basinski piece, 'In a safe place...' takes an emotionally wrought piano and allows it to languidly meander over a stirring landscape of half-glimpsed sonic sturctures and soundscapes that can't help but make an emotional impact on this listener. Gorgeous. BOOMKAT Whether you like this
record depends on whether you find the title portentous or a snug fit for
the story of your life. A bleak, creaking, dusty floorboard of an album
that benefits from zero budget and the most minimal of instrumentation.
Library Tapes are possibly two identically dressed old school friends who
live in the middle of nowhere, don’t have a phone and communicate
through taps on a glass hammer.
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