Reviews

Lorelle Meets The Obsolete
Balance

(Sonic Cathedral)

8/10

The metadata tells me this is ‘krautrock’, but it’s not; that’s way too simplistic a description. For a start, the rhythms are way too languid and dusty – ‘It Must Be The Only Way’ scans like some Austin, Texas psychedelia that’s been left out to dry in the desert, while ‘Ching’ has an oddly disconcerting air and sense of menace. By the time ‘The Sound Of All Things’ hovers into view – and we’re only at track number four – where a warm, Balearic wash gives way to pounding drums and some very heavy guitar, you’re left wondering exactly what’s going on.

But the head-scratching breadth of styles and motifs on display on Lorelle Meets The Obsolete’s second album are all part of the charm. Jumping from the woozy, sparse ‘Waves Over Shadows’ into the fuzzed-out seduction of ‘La Distincion’ is the work of either a genius or a madman (and madwoman in the case of this Mexican duo), and the thin line that exists between the two are often what elevates art to greater highs. Whatever you call this, just buckle up and enjoy the ride; it’s thrilling.