A keyboard band has never grooved like this.
Shane Rudken (ex-Regurgitator) teams up with fellow keytarist Daniel Templeman and beat-master Damian Lewis to produce some rather infectious instrumental grooves of varying electronic flavour. Working under the aliases of 'Scarecrow' 'Tinman' and 'Lion', the trio embrace the sonic textures of the eighties with remarkable taste, while the beats are akin to Aphex Twin's more accessible work. As the boys' stage names and cover artwork suggest, the grooves retain a certain childlike whimsicality, with many a twinkling star and beaming sunray. While the disc spins through shades of light and dark (often within the same song) it is generally a positive listen, and deceptively long for a six-tracker EP. The bonus track (7) for me was a standout, demonstrating the depth of their musical sensitivity: the electronic equivalent of chamber music. A distorted drum beat, plucked strings, and electric piano work together to transcend 'no-go-zone' of six-eight time. It is refreshing to find a band with a mature sense of dynamics, texture and musicality, harmonised with creative innovation. Ponyloaf is beautifully arranged, considered electronica that will lift your heart, run it through a meat processor and leave it floating somewhere over the rainbow. Get yourself a slice.
by Dan Monceaux
Posted on March 02, 2003