equape offers an updated take on the classic psychedelic sound on the dramatic journey of “Deliberate Movements”. A bright brilliant and bold stylistic potpourri they embrace a whole slew of genres ones that absolutely swirl about in a fantastic haze. Elements of a theatrical flair alongside indie pop, orchestral works, glam rock, spaghetti westerns, jazz and ambient all within a distinctly psychedelic rock sheen. Instrumentally they offer a vibrant mix of electronic and acoustic instruments. By far the heart and soul of this colossal sound comes from the passionate vocals whose lyrics have their own askew sense of poetry.
Stunningly executed they go for a fully immersive experience over the course of the sonic journey. Their sheer swatch of influences draws heavily from Of Montreal’s carefully sculpted arrangements, with the lead vocalist being something of a dead ringer for Kevin Barnes’ soulful, at time bluesy, delivery. Beyond this they also take a page from Ryan Power’s kaleidoscopic style for everything swirls about in a glorious hue. Layer upon layer filters into the mix resulting in a lush, luxurious approach that shifts gears with gleeful abandon. By bringing together psychedelic’s past with a modern pop sound they combine the best of both worlds – something that feels classic and modern at the same time.
From stormy industrial washes to triumphant fanfare in under two minutes, “Little Star” opens the album up on a high note, setting the tone for what follows. A gothic beauty emerges on the fragile frayed riffs of “Dark Eyes”. Zen-like calm on “Care for a While” goes for a meditative moment. The jazzy “With You” features a woozy, wilting sort of rhythm, as the languid pace lends it an ambient, reflective spirit. “Gates of Air + Light” merges classical and drone together into a singular stream of consciousness. By far the highlight comes from “Seventh Heaven (Rise Edition)” where they incorporate elements of “Wish You Were Here” era of Pink Floyd.
Angelic swirls gradually settle on the soothing “Space” where they allow the sound to sprawl out seemingly into the infinite, with little flourishes wafting up into the air. The tension builds and builds on the wonderful scale of “Celebrate My Dreams”. From the tribal drumming to the post-rock flair of the guitars it works like a charm. Electro influences underpin the playful “Love Me 2-Ny-T”. Fantastic contortions and lovely grooves roll out on the entrancing trip of “Hourglass Blues”. Neatly bringing the whole of the album to a thought-provoking finale is the epic sound of “Boy Innocence”.
“Deliberate Movements” proves equape to be purveyors of a surreal sound, the kind whose scope is always changing and shifting into unexpectedly delightful dimensions.
