It shouldn't come as a surprise that they all contain an artist named Kenseth Thibideau, obviously a very talented musician.

Tarentel uses an extended drone to help make their music flow. The songs on Ephemera are all tremendously long and travel in and out of trances, while mixing flavourful melodies. Focusing on such sonically based bands such as My Bloody Valentine and Mogwai, Tarentel doesn't quite have the intensity of either band, but manages to make up for this in the music's consistency. The entire EP flows nicely, which is mandatory for a recording with 5 songs clocking in at nearly 70 minutes. B+

Unlike Tarentel, Rumah Sakit goes all out on Obscured By Clowns, twisting, pulling and testing their music in every single direction. Concentrating on a more prog-based, free form approach, the band incorporates jazzy rhythms and eclectic song structures into their formula. "No One Likes a Grumpy Cripple" matches Tortoise's fascination with jazz, building complex arrangements and taking them through every nook and cranny to finally reach a finale. Indie-rock experts and jazz fusionists beware; this may be where the hugging starts. B

Finally, Howard Hello rounds off the list. Gentle, baffling and quite beautiful, Howard Hello is a tricky and mesmerising album. Located somewhere between Papa M's heartbreaking folk and Brian Eno's ambience, the music is breathtakingly obscure. Each song sounds so simple and laid out, yet it ends up being messed with, creating the most unexpected moments. Vocals are provided by Wendy Allen (The Court and Spark), which add a heavenly quality to the surroundings. There never is a dull moment because you never know what to expect, besides to be amazed. A

Tarental: We Move Through Weather

Tarentel: We Move Through Weather

[Issue Fifty // July 2002]