Reachy Prints
19 May 2014
Warp
3 stars out of 5
Plaid’s new LP, Reachy
Prints, doesn’t diverge much from the sound they established early on with
records like Rest Proof Clockwork. It’s
got all the moody keyboards, glitchy beats, and ambient textures of their
previous work, perhaps now incrementally more refined and polished. As
background music, Reachy Prints is
pleasant, all pretty keyboards and relaxing reverb; however, there isn’t much
here that could transcend background music and become something actually worthy
paying serious attention to.
The better tracks, like “OH” and “Wallet,” stick to the
formula and stick well. Andy Turner and Ed Handley have been in this business a
long time, and they know what works. The problem with just going with what
works is that their music often lacks the exciting experimental spark which permeates
the music of their celebrated peers like Autechre, Squarepusher, and Aphex
Twin. While tracks like “Tether” and “Ropen” will satisfy for a time, they won’t
keep the listener returning again and again because they represent more of the
status quo of electronica rather than its cutting edge. They’re stationary time
capsules rather than exploratory space probes.
Regardless, as background music Reachy Prints excels precisely because it doesn’t challenge the
listener. Its textures give it an edgy feel even though its compositions
feature no real edginess. It won’t interfere with your attempt to concentrate
on your computer screen in your little cubicle at the office. It’s a passing and
featureless pleasure, but a pleasure nonetheless.
reviewed by Richard Krueger
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