Published on Dec 2, 2005
Electronic Eulogy [From Morse Code Infinity] can be
described at best as modest electro-pop with no real spectacular
moments.
The music on
Electronic Eulogy has no frills or fancies, no 100 lb. beats
pulsating with aggravated steam, no crazy electronics, and no
self-indulgent gothic pretensions. Though sparse and restricted,
the music does a pretty decent job at keeping things interesting
for most part of the album. This is one of those records whose
cleverness lies in its simplicity.
Electronic Eulogy is an album of instrumentals and songs
with vocals, both making presence in equal amounts. The
instrumentals are nothing fancy, most of the time nothing more than
a simple tune played on keyboards, with little visceral treatment.
They resemble Moby’s style of techno (on
Play and
18), only less melodic and a tad gloomier.
The tracks with vocals make up pretty much the highlights of the
album, notwithstanding the fact that the vocals are not
particularly impressive. Sung by one half of George & Caplin,
Jeffrey Wentworth Stevens — the other half is Jason Fredrick Islen
— the vocals sound like as if sung by an emaciated alien; they are
extremely nasal, flimsy, and livid. However, coupled with the
quirky low-key techno music, the vocals do not sound bad at
all.
As is the case with most indie music of today, the influence of
New Wave and Radiohead-esque torment of electronic sounds is quite
visible on
Electronic Eulogy, and is most apparent on the first two
cuts — and also the album standouts — “Promenade” and “Wimbledon
Headband.” The former, with its combination of riff and rhythm
resembling the 80’s, is the most new wave track on this album; and
the latter, with its vocals subtly sung backward and sounding
completely nonsensical, is a trademark Radiohead-inspired indie
track.
George & Caplin’s fantasy world isn’t ridden with any
serious paranoia to give its music any major kick. Hence,
Electronic Eulogy does nothing more than just provide good
company when listened to, and has no lasting impact once it’s over.
This disc is easily enjoyable, but it is easily forgettable
too.
[For more information on George & Caplin, visit
www.georgeandcaplin.com]