Tautologic - Re: Psychle

  by Lisa Torem

published: 26 / 3 / 2018

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Drummer Pat Buzby, bassist Nathan Britsch, saxophonist Chris Greene, vocalist/fiddler Emily Albright, guitarist Jay Montana and co-songwriter/lead vocalist Ethan Sellers comprise the Chicago-based Tautologic, which, while inspired largely by Genesis, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson and Robert Fripp, bypass strict categorization. "‘Basement Sessions, Volume 1’ was mostly just fun, silly songs,” says Sellers about their previous album in a recent Pennyblackmusic interview. Their long-awaited follow-up, ‘Re: Psychle’ distills levity as well, but overall their follow-up cuts open the stitches that conveniently cover America’s urban wounds, leaving listeners to question their humanity. (Heaven knows we could use more of this stuff). Various themes were inspired by marginalised individuals that band members met on the South Side of Chicago, where they are based. ‘Loud Shoes’ profiles a young woman whose shopping borders on obsession. ‘The Whistler’ recounts a disenfranchised veteran; in the band’s eyes, a somewhat, seasoned busker, although passers-by barely give him notice. Tautologic fleshes him out, revealing his purpose through sensitive lyrics and Celtic twists. The album features a bounty of guests: clarinetist Michael Maccaferi (Eighth Blackbird), cellist Nick Photinos, the late Micah Frazier on trumpet, trombonist Johnny ‘Showtime’ Janowiak (‘On Your Left’) and Eric Koppa, of Liquid Soul fame (another mind-bending American ensemble) on baritone sax. Those drawn to Seller’s detailed album cover and the Greek-inspired title will undoubtedly ask, "Why the antiquated bicycle?" Cleverly ‘The Choirboy’ addresses this query, as the theme there revolves around a “getaway” bike used by a bank robber and band acquaintance. Another case in point is that the planning of the album began more than a decade ago, yet its contemporary contents smack of delirious energy and smarts. Yet whilst ‘Re:Psychle’ inspires in-depth analysis, the recording never falters from the main mark; that of using inventive musicianship to enlighten and “re-sensitize.”

Track Listing:-

1 Loud Shoes
2 Not If but When
3 The Admiral
4 The Professor
5 On Your Left
6 The Choirboy
7 Coltrane Supermarket
8 The Whistler
9 The Gospel Lady
10 Osaka Garden

Band Links:-

http://www.tautologic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tautologic/
https://tautologic.bandcamp.com/

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